Mike Urban: Walk for the Animals raises money for abandoned pets in Berks and Lancaster counties
May 7—Humane Pennsylvania's annual Walk for the Animals in Berks County is always promoted as a rain or shine event, and on Saturday, with steady rainfall soaking the ground, that was put to the test.
But the fundraiser went on as planned, with more than 400 people registered in advance and others signing up Saturday to take their dogs for a walk around Jim Dietrich Park in Muhlenberg Township and contribute to Humane Pennsylvania.
Humane Pennsylvania includes the Freedom Center for Animal Life Saving in Berks County and Humane League of Lancaster County shelters, as well as veterinary hospitals in Reading and Lancaster among its operations.
The event is one of the organization's two biggest annual fundraisers, bringing in money for abandoned, abused and neglected animals in its care in Berks and Lancaster counties.
It's the 45th year for the event, which usually is held in the fall but this year moved to the spring.
It included food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and more than 40 vendors.
Those who look forward to the event all year typically will come regardless of what the weather does, said Lauren Pignetti, Humane Pennsylvania director of development.
That included former board member and current volunteer Scott Yoder of Mount Penn, who especially enjoys meeting former shelter dogs that are now companion animals with their families.
"I love seeing that our alums are now in their forever homes," he said.
Also participating was Angela Roussell of Birdsboro, who said she's always looking for places she and her poodle puppy Vedder can go together, so she came to the walk for the first time.
"It's a great event, and it's for a good cause," she said.
The amount raised by Saturday's event wasn't immediately available, but the organization was hoping to bring in at least $75,000, officials said.
Humane Pennsylvania's other big annual fundraiser, its art auction, is scheduled for Nov. 5 but a location and other details are still being worked out.
Karen Linder, Performance Toyota charitable giving coordinator and Humane Pennsylvania board member, said in a press release that the organization and its "cutting-edge approach to animal welfare" in Berks and Lancaster counties has a huge positive impact on the lives of animals and the caregivers who love them.
"We are proud to support Humane Pennsylvania's courageous and compassionate dedication to providing lifesaving services to the animals in their care," she said.
