FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Pet owners across South Florida took part in a walk with their furry friends for a great cause.
Saturday was the 34th annual VCA Walk for the Animals event, hosted by the Humane Society of Broward County.
The walk was 1.25 miles long and featured booths, live entertainment and even a pet boutique! Not to mention all the loving animals looking for a ‘furever’ home.
The event took place from 8 a.m. to noon at the Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park at 80 Las Olas Circle.
The organization brought thousands of amazing animals and people together by providing adoptions, community services and education for furry friends that need a home.
HSBC Vice President of Marketing Cherie Wachter told Local 10 News that attendees didn’t have to have a pet to participate in the one-mile walk--just love animals.
Dogs of all kinds of different breeds were at the event where Wachter said that over 1,000 animal lovers signed up for the cause.
Local 10 News anchor and animal advocate Jacey Birch also participated in the event and started a fundraising page which you can view by clicking here.
According to Birch, “By donating to the Walk, you are helping thousands of animals that come through their doors each year. Every dollar supports them as they provide veterinary care, food, shelter and much, much more to every animal they see.”
A boy named Jupiter, who threw a puppy party in September to help donate towards the Walk for the Animals event, shared his love for furry friends Local 10 News.
“I love Walk for the Animals so people can get more animals,” he said.
The HSBC said they are looking to raise $495,000 to help with animal care and future surgeries. Wachter told Local 10 News they reached 90% of the goal thanks to the animal-loving South Florida community.
Wachter said events like Walk for the Animals are critical because HSBC is a non-profit organization and relies on donations to help with their budget. She added that the average donation is around $25 and some companies will match donations.
Viewers can also scan the QR code below if they would like to contribute.
The HSBC also said they are accepting toy donations for the animals to play with at the shelter.
There are many more dogs, cats, rabbits and furry friends up for adoption at the Humane Society of Broward County.
For more information on how to adopt any animal, make a donation, or how to schedule a dog/ cat meet, click here.
UPDATE:
As of 2 p.m. Saturday, Wachter confirmed the HSBC has reached $455,006 in donations for the WFTA event, which is 91% of their goal.
Donations are still being accepted for the next several weeks. Click here for more information.