Despite the gloomy weather, more than 700 runners inaugurated First Annual Run For The Rescues 5K and Fun Run last Saturday at Suwanee Town Center Park. The race benefited the Georgia Society for the Prevention of Cruely to Animals, or Georgia SPCA, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to alleviating the pet overpopulation in Georgia.
“The idea for the pledge walk came in December and we had very practical expectations,” said Cindy Allen, president and volunteer of Georgia SPCA. “We were aiming for 150 to 200 runners and at least 20 vendors.”
The hard work and dedication led to a community response that helped in raising an estimated $10,000 for the shelter’s fundraising effort. The money raised will go toward the animal shelter’s operations which include caring, feeding and fully vetting the animals for adoption or foster care.
The shelter relies solely on volunteers and the community for support. “Whether it is taking care of the animals such as caring and feeding them to fostering them, or hopefully finding them a good home, we can never have too much help,” said event organizer Christine Muller, who has volunteered for three years and has given a home to six rescues.
One of the ways people can give back is to donate to Sadie’s Place, a thrift store named after a pitbull who was rescued from a dog fighting ring and has yet to find a home. People can donate house wares and other items to the store, and any sales from Sadie’s Place go toward the operations of the shelter.
“We have had volunteers who have small fundraisers such as car washes or bake sales, but any effort someone makes for the shelter is not only needed, but very much appreciated,” added Jane Stewart, executive director of the four-year-old organization.
To volunteer or donate to Georgia SPCA, visit www.georgiaspca.org
About the Author
