Take a ‘trot’ and help homeless animals
Published 10:05 pm Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Runners make their way down Harbour Pointe Drive in The Riverfront at Harbour View community last year for the eighth annual Turkey Trot 5K, which brought in more than 150 participants to benefit the Suffolk Humane Society.
Residents are being urged to pull on a pair of comfortable shoes for a 5K walk/run next month and help find homes for rescued animals in the process.
The Riverfront Swim Club’s ninth annual Turkey Trot 5K Run and Walk starts at 9 a.m. on Nov. 17, with proceeds going to the Suffolk Humane Society.
The event begins at the swim club, 5301 Sports Club Run, and winds through the Riverfront community in North Suffolk’s Harbour View.
“Over $3,100 was raised for Suffolk Humane in last year’s Turkey Trot,” Suffolk Humane Interim Executive Director Michele Thames stated in a press release. “We invite the community to come out and help top that at this year’s race.”
Event organizers also are seeking event sponsors to offset the cost of staging the event, so that more money goes to help homeless animals, Thames said.
Organizers are accepting both financial and in-kind donations, and sponsorship packages can be requested; inquire at donations@suffolkhumanesociety.com or 538-3030.
The structure of the event will include seven separate age divisions, with the opportunity for children aged 12 and under to take part in a “gobbler run.”
Entry costs $15 for adults prior to race day and $20 on race day, and children 12 and under pay $12 prior to race day and $15 on race day.
In the spirit of the event’s beneficiary, leashed dogs are allowed on the circuit.
Event participants will get a long-sleeved T-shirt and will be welcome at a post-race celebration with food, fun and awards, the release states.
In terms of sponsorship, a company name can go on the event T-shirt for a $100 pledge, if received by Nov. 2.
Suffolk Humane will also be at the event accepting donations of pet food, dog or cat toys, and other pet items.
According to the release, most needed are Purina Pro Plan Chicken and Rice cat and kitten food, canned cat food and Tidy Cat clumping litter, unwanted towels and collapsible wire crates.
Meanwhile, Suffolk Humane’s fall “adopt-a-thon” campaign is drawing to a close, but extra events have been scheduled for the downtown Walmart, 1200 North Main St., on Nov. 3, and Chesapeake Square PetSmart, 4300 Portsmouth Blvd., the next day.
Animals can also be adopted during a previously scheduled event at the North Suffolk PetSmart, 6243 College Drive, on Sunday. All adopt-a-thons run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
