On your mark, get set, Walk for the Animals! On March 3rd, close to 3,000 doggies and the humans they own walked and trotted around beautiful Bayfront Park to help the homeless animals in our community. The event was a “howling” success, raising close to $100,000 to help the homeless animals of Miami.
Starting at 8:30 a.m., this high-energy event brought our animal-loving community together for a morning filled with so much fun. In addition to walking around one of Miami’s most scenic and popular parks, attendees shared many fun and unique experiences with their dogs. The Purina ProPlan Performance Team dazzled the crowd with incredible tricks. Their amazing performances inspired many attendees to stop at the Doggie Fun Zone to give their pups a thrilling moment in the spotlight as they became track stars in a fun agility course. They were also eligible to participate in the always-popular “Best Kisser” and “Look Alike” contests. Those who did not have a special furry friend had the chance to adopt their best friends at the Adoption Arena, where local rescues had some of their precious pets up for adoption. Delicious treats and refreshments from Toby’s Concessions and our Bakery Booth satisfied walkers’ hunger and thirst after the brisk stroll around the park. And the many exciting raffles, contests and carnival-style games for both two-leggeds and four-leggeds made many tails wag.
Acting as Grand Marshal for the first year ever was Miami-Dade County Mayor, Carlos A. Gimenez, who presented us with a proclamation. Emceeing the event for his tenth consecutive year was Ryan Phillips, meteorologist for NBC6, and joining him as emcee once again was Julie Guy, morning show host at 101.5 LITE FM.
Walk for the Animals’ sponsors included: Ryder Charitable Foundation, Purina, Purina ProPlan Performance Team, 101.5 LiteFM, 560 WQAM Sports Radio, Bayside Marketplace, Caring Hands Animal Hospital, Canine Counselors, Chipotle, Commissioner Sally Heyman, D.O.G., Do Unto Others, Doggies Gone Wild, Fetch My Vet, Frames USA, Heather Hannon, KISS 99.9 FM, The Laser Center of Coral Gables, Miami Parking Authority, NBC6, Power96, RKD Alpha Dog, 102.7 The Beach, 104.3 The Shark, 790 The Ticket, Miami Open, Outfront Media, Redfin, Shuster & Saben, LLC., US Storage and Vitas Healthcare.
