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NewswireTODAY - /newswire/ -
Riverside, CA, United States, 2010/03/25 - Enjoyed a day in the park which included a two-mile pledge walk around a lake, entertainment, music, prizes, food, exhibits and more.
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Saturday, March 20, dawned sunny and the parking lots at Fairmount Park in Riverside filled up quickly as the Mary S. Roberts (formerly Riverside Humane Society) Pet Adoption Center’s 18th Annual Walk With The Animals got under way at 8:00 am. The attendance, estimated to be more than 1,400 people along with 500 dogs, a few pigs, miniature horse, and various other creatures, surpassed that of all previous years.
"We appreciate the support we received from the Riverside City Council, Parks and Recreation Department, and Fire Department, our sponsors and volunteers – the list is endless,” said Denise Perry, MSRPAC executive director. “We especially appreciate all the walkers and other people who attended to support us in our efforts to create a better life for so many homeless dogs and cats. The community helped us raise over $53,000 which by far breaks previous years’ fund-raising efforts!”
The top individual pledge collector for the two-mile walk around Lake Evans was Bonnie Kirby of Riverside who raised $2,147. This is the seventh year Kirby has been the top pledge collector. She was rewarded with a weekend stay for two in a suite at the Historic Mission Inn along with Sunday brunch. Corona resident Olga Barberi raised $2,000 for second place, earning her Sunday brunch for two at the Historic Mission Inn.
The top business/organization ‘dog pack team’ was NaturVet Foundation of Temecula which raised $3,060. For the third year in a row, the top school ‘dog pack team’ was Ramona Elementary School of Moreno Valley which collected $300. Commemorative bricks recognizing these two teams will be installed in the Celebration Walkway at the Pet Adoption Center at 6165 Industrial Ave.
Chris Cabral, owner of Muttley Crew K-9 Entertainment, led the walk which this year stepped off in two phases due to the large turnout of walkers. The agility and disc dogs of Muttley Crew later put on a fun show to the delight of the crowd. There were a record number of exhibitors on hand this year offering attendees everything from Dachshund and Great Pyrenees rescues for adoption to turtle preservation and tax preparation, as well as pet clothes, treats, training, boarding and much more.
KOLA 99.9’s prize caravan and midday on-air personality Cindy Davis provided music and free giveaways throughout the morning. Riverside City Fire Department showed some of its water rescue equipment. The event also included talented pet and pet/owner look-alike contests, a boutique for people and pets, a kids activity area, and low-cost rabies vaccinations for canines. The morning concluded with Davis drawing tickets for many prizes donated by area businesses.
The Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center (petsadoption.org) is a non-profit, public benefit charitable organization serving communities in Riverside County and beyond. As the largest no-kill pet adoption organization in Riverside County, the center accepts owner turn-ins of cats and dogs and transfers from local animal-control agencies. Prior to adoption, each animal is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, evaluated for behavior issues, and microchipped. Each animal also is monitored for physical, emotional and mental health, and receives ongoing socialization. For more information, contact the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center at 951-688-4340.
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