FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — From wagging tails to happy barks, there was no shortage of personality along Las Olas Boulevard as hundreds gathered for the 36th annual VCA Walk for the Animals on Saturday morning.
The one-mile fundraiser supports the Humane Society of Broward County and the care it provides year-round.
The event took place from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park, at 80 Las Olas Circle, in Fort Lauderdale.
“It’s fun. We have four monsters. It’s fun,” one participant said with a laugh while walking her dogs.
Local 10 animal advocate Jacey Birch, who has hosted the walk for about 15 years, joined the crowd with her Chihuahua Peewee in a harness.
Birch said the walk is her favorite event of the year.
“The walk just wrapped up. We do have thousands if you include the humans and the dogs. 150 volunteers made this event happen today. We have 35 sponsors,” she said. " I’ve had the privilege of hosting this event for about the last 15 years. We love when we can get the animals together and raise money for such a great cause.”
According to HSBC’s event website, the walk had already surpassed the organizations’s $535,000 goal, raising $569,831.20 as of 11 a.m., or 106% of its target.
Birch also encouraged donations to her personal walk page.
“Right now, I’m going to the stage and we’re going to pass out awards and we’re going to keep this party going,” she said. “We still have time because my goal is $5,000 and it’s now past the $1,700 mark, up $1,000 this morning since we first showed you at 8 a.m.”
Cherie Wachter, vice president of marketing for the Humane Society of Broward County, said the funds help cover programs such as pet loss and grieving sessions, behavior classes, food, medical care, and daily operations for animals at the shelter.
“All of the money raised from this event helps fund those programs,” she said.
This year’s poster dog, Bobby, is living proof of the event’s mission. His owner adopted him from a rural shelter, saving him from euthanasia. Last year, the pair raised $1,000 during the walk.
“He’s very empathetic, and he’s very calm. And he just loves everybody. He loves every dog and every person! The humane society gave me the opportunity to meet the love of my life,” said Donald Orloski, a Broward Humane Society volunteer.
“It’s been very exciting. Bobby had a modeling and photography session,” Orloski added.
Now the face of this year’s event, Bobby is helping inspire others to give back — one step at a time. Organizers said no matter the size of the dog or the distance walked, every step helps support animals in need.
Click here for more information on how you could donate to a great cause or adopt a furry friend.
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