Bark in the Park is October 9, 2011
The Peoria Humane Society's 15th annual Bark in the Park took place at the Peoria riverfront on Sunday, October 9. The event raised over $45,000! Funds raised benefit the animals of our community through programs and services made possible for them by PHS. It was a fantastic day for dog owners and dogs alike!
We'd like to extend a huge thanks to everyone who helped make the Bark a success – our sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and participants!
Special recognition is in order for our two top sponsors
Family Friendly Radio 91.5 WCIC and Illinois Mutual Insurance Company
WCIC has been a sponsor of Bark in the Park for the past three years. They are such great supporters of Bark in the Park! We appreciate their donation of air time to help promote the Bark, and Jill & Jeremy Tracey do a fantastic job as event emcees! Thank you to our friends at WCIC!
Illinois Mutual Insurance Company has been a Bark in the Park sponsor since 2000. Their donation of graphic design and printed materials for the event has been invaluable over the years! The Illinois Mutual "Bark Team" has always been one of the biggest corporate teams involved in the Bark. We appreciate all that they do for the animals!
Bark in the Park Vet Challenge
We held our first Bark in the Park Vet Challenge this year. Local veterinary clinics were asked to help raise money for Bark by encouraging clients to join, and raise pledges for, their "Bark Team". Clinic visitors could also help by making a Bark donation and signing their name or their pet's name on a "Bark Card" to be displayed in the clinic. In appreciation for their help, the clinic raising the most money would receive lunch for their staff once a week for four weeks! Second place winner would receive one lunch for their staff. Winning first place was Mt. Hawley Animal Hospital – whose staff raised $361! Second place was Chillicothe Veterinary Clinic with $201. We certainly appreciate their efforts and hope they enjoy their well-deserved lunches!
Other Bark in the Park Winners!
First place winners in the Great American Marvelous Mutt Show:
Best Trick
Holly & Sherry Frerichs
Dog-Owner Look Alike
Max & Anne Arnold
Most Wags Per Minute
Tika & Wesley Dodd
Face Only A Mother Could Love
Harley . . . & Bruce Rodeck
Most Ear-Resistable Ears
Sprocket . . . Lynsie Pierce
Best Dressed Dog
Scuba . . . Judi Gullickson
Winners in the Bark in the Park cash raffle:
Tina Kolesar........$1000
Joe Ann Jackson.......$500
Paula Byers.........$100
Katie Hafner........$100
Bonnie Vonk.........$50
A Message from 2011 Honorary Bark in the Park Chairperson: Andrew Rand
I am honored to be Honorary Bark in the Park Chairperson this year. Since I was a kid, companion animals have been an important part of my life. My parents taught us to treat our companion friends with great respect, and to love them, too.
The Peoria Humane Society has been the downstate leader in advancing the care and compassionate treatment of our companion animal friends and all members of the animal family. Whether advocating, rescuing or helping to care for animals in need, the Peoria Humane Society hopes you will join us for Bark in the Park, send a meaningful contribution, or volunteer!
Help us make the next year a better year for needy pet friends in central Illinois. Kindly allow me to thank you for taking the time to come out and show others how much you care. I look forward to seeing you at Bark in the Park!
Sincerely,
Andrew Rand
Peoria county Board
Pictured at right are his three dogs: Lola, Reo, and Truman.