Humane Society for Southwest Washington event offers socially distanced fun
VANCOUVER – Area residents are invited to participate in the annual Walk/Run for the Animals’ 30th anniversary celebration, the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW) is staging a socially distanced event through downtown Vancouver.
The dog- and kid-friendly walking route will have fun stops with available food, giveaways and entertainment. Runners can run a 5K wherever they choose the week leading up to May 1 and submit their time online. HSSW’s annual fundraising event provides shelter animals with food, medical care, socialization skills and playtime while they wait for their new homes.
Taking the Lead
This year’s Walk/Run for the Animals’ co-chairs are Cyndi Holloway and Jason Fish. Holloway is the governmental and community affairs director for Waste Connections, and this marks her second year serving as the Walk/Run for the Animals’ co-chair. Co-chairs and committee members connect their networks to the event and support it financially.
“I’m committed to HSSW and the event because Waste Connections has been an annual sponsor for numerous consecutive years,” Holloway says. “Being part of the Walk/Run has brought so much happiness – not just to Waste Connections’ employees – but also to my personal family. This event involves all ages of our community while bringing awareness of the services HSSW provides.”
Co-chair Jason Fish co-owns Main Event Sports Grill, 3 Sheets at the Harbor and The Piehole. Fish joined HSSW’s Board of Directors in 2018 and served as co-chair for Walk/Run for the past four years. His company, Main Event Sports Grill, has been a Walk/Run sponsor for many years and its downtown Vancouver location will be a route stop during the event.
“I’ve adopted several dogs from HSSW, and the work the organization does is important to our entire region,” notes Fish. “Staying involved and having our company be an event sponsor is a way to thank the people for being out there and supporting the animals,” Fish says.
Walk/Run for the Animals Event Day, May 1
Fifteen HSSW sponsors and supporters teamed up to create seven interactive stops on the downtown walk route. Each stop highlights services and shows appreciation for Walk/Run registered participants and fundraisers. Some sponsor stops offer participants complimentary treats like ice cream, root beer and burritos. There will also be free dog biscuits and goodie bags for dogs. Giveaway raffles range from fitness training sessions to pet-specific gift baskets. Entertainment includes a photobooth, spin-the-wheel for prizes, and balloon animals by Joe the Balloon Man.
Participants can do their walk anytime between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and visit as many stops as they like. Masks are required for all participants. In addition, participants must be distanced 6 feet apart from other participants outside of their group and wait their turn to visit the business or booth. Runners complete their 5K run wherever they choose through May 1 and submit their time online to see their ranking. All registered walkers and runners will receive an event bag as well as a custom 30-year anniversary commemorative medal! Join the fun and make a difference in the lives of dogs and cats.
Walk/Run for the Animals Event Details
Date: Sat., May 1
Location: Downtown and Uptown Vancouver, Washington
Time: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Cost: Registration fees are $50 between April 26 – April 30, or $55 on May 1 (event day). Kids 12 and under are free with an adult registration. hssw.org/walk-run Become an individual fundraiser or join a team at: https://southwesthumane.org/engage/events/walkrun-for-the-animals/fundraisers/
