VANCOUVER — Cat lovers will get a special treat at this year’s Walk/Run for the Animals event on Sat., May 6 with a live performance by Moshow, the cat rapper.
Organized by the Humane Society for Southwest Washington (HSSW), the event raises money to offer healing, training, and medical services for 8,000-plus shelter animals. Moshow’s playful, positive messages of supporting animal welfare and companionship set the perfect tone for the Walk/Run’s family-oriented event and party in the park.
Moshow is a viral social media star who enthusiastically spreads his love for cats and cat people from all walks of life. A believer in HSSW’s mission, Moshow’s Twitter and Facebook rap videos commonly encourage viewers to adopt a cat.
“Last year, we created the kitten foster program where foster families can successfully help the smallest kittens – even days old,” explains Stacey Graham, president of the Humane Society for Southwest Washington. Mentors help the foster families with questions and concerns; and when the kittens are old enough, they return to HSSW and then go on to their new homes.
“This program has increased outcomes for even the smallest kittens in our community, and participating in the event is a great way to make a difference in their lives,” says Graham. “Just $30 allows us to purchase 40 jars of baby food to feed orphaned kittens.” In addition, fundraisers who collect donations of $30 or more also score a fabulous super-soft T-shirt.
Dogs on Parade
Not to be outdone, 800 dogs will be on hand with their owners at Esther Short Park during the fundraising event. Dogs on leashes are welcome to walk the 3-mile course or run a 5k chip-timed race. Runners who cross the finish line receive finisher’s medals. Walkers or runners age 21-plus can enjoy two handcrafted brews at the Ghost Runners Brewery beer garden as part of their registration.
Registration also includes an event bag with goodies for people and pets, and an “I’m Loved” pet medal for cats or dogs. Register for the event at hssw.org/walk-run.
Anyone can register, join one of the fundraising teams, start their own fundraiser, and/or make an online donation until Sat., May 6 at 9 a.m. (the day of the event). In addition to helping HSSW animals, Walk/Run participants can earn prizes and party in the park.
The Walk/Run takes place on Sat., May 6, at Esther Short Park in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Runners and walkers will depart in waves to accommodate large numbers of participants. Come join the fun and make a difference in the lives of animals on their way to their forever homes.
The Walk/Run for the Animals is funded in part by the Thomas A. Plein Foundation, Riverview Community Bank, Waste Connections, Main Event Sports Grill, Café Yumm!, Columbia River Veterinary Specialists, Mud Bay, VCA, Leonardo’s Pizzeria, Allied Fastening Supply, Inc., Miller Nash Graham & Dunn, A Dog’s Best Friend, and Ghost Runners Brewery, with additional support from the PetCo Foundation.
Event Details
Date: Sat., May 6
Location: Esther Short Park; W. 6th & Columbia, Vancouver
Times: 7:30 a.m. – Registration area opens
9 a.m. – Run starts.
9:05 a.m. – Walkers leave in waves
7:30–11:30 a.m. – Party in the Park
10:30 a.m. – Runner awards
11 a.m. – Fundraising awards followed by Moshow, the cat rapper’s, performance
Cost: Walkers: $40 through April 30; $45 May 1 – 5; $50 May 6 (event day); kids 12 and under free
Runners: $45 through April 30; $50 May 1 – 5; $55 May 6 (event day); kids 12 and under free
Participate: Registration is available at hssw.org/walk-run.
HSSW is open from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through Sundays, and is located at 1100 NE 192nd Ave., just north of Mill Plain in Vancouver.
