Editor’s note: This article was written with reports from Mary Carlos.Â
Warwick, RI – About 200 people and their canine companions visited Warwick City Park Sunday, May 3 for the first state-wide Bark For Life, raising more than $21,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Bark For Life is a smaller, dog-oriented version of the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay For Life.
The one-mile walk around the park was just one of the many activities making up the fundraising event that day which kicked off with a survivor and canine caregiver speech at the opening ceremony. Some of the other activities were vendors, raffles, team fundraisers, a fire truck, and dog contests.
Dr. Schoen from Hill and Harbour Veterinary Clinic was on-site but only one dog, who had the scratch prior to the event, needed vet care. Uno’s of Warwick provided lunch for survivors and Heaven’s Reach Reiki and AR Healing provided reiki for them.
All participants received a bag with dog treats from Pet Food Express and Earth Dog Cookie Company. Even when the wind kicked up, people still stayed and enjoyed the activities.
The dog contests finished up the day. Everyone enjoyed cheering on their favorites in the dog/pet parent look-alike contest, smallest and largest dog categories, costume contest, trick contest, and the best-in-show.
Since this is the state-wide event’s debut, said organizer Ann Therriault, they had a modest fundraising goal, reached through a $20 per dog registration fee and individual $100 fundraising goals (the registration fee counts toward each participant’s goal).  The fundraiser more than doubled that at $21,000.
If you missed the fun, keep an eye out for next year’s event. Anyone interested in helping with the 2016 Bark For Life should contact Christina Haas at [email protected] or 401-243-2637.
Can’t wait for next year to help the American Cancer Society and have fun doing it? Here’s a list of the Relay For Life events coming up around the state:
Warwick Relay for Life – June 20
Coventry Relay for Life – June 12
South County Relay for Life – June 19
Westerly Relay for Life – June 27
Cranston Relay for Life – June 13
Greater Providence Relay for Life  – June 26
East Providenc Relay for Life – June 5
Burrillville/Gloucester Relay for Life – June 26
Lincoln Relay for Life – June 19
Pawtucket Relay for Life – June 20
Cumberland Relay for Life – May 30
Smithfield Relay for Life – June 13
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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