WESTFIELD-Dog lovers and their furry friends will converge on Stanley Park next Sunday, May 1, to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society.
Audrey Singer, chair of the volunteer planning committee for the Bark For Life of the Pioneer Valley, will be among those walking with “Carl,” her Red Bone and Bloodhound mix companion of 11 years.
“Carl has been participating since we started this event at Stanley Park six years ago,” said Singer.
Audrey Singer is the chair of the volunteer planning committee for the American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life canine event at Stanley Park. Singer, seen with “Carl” who will be walking with her on May 1, reviews details with Andrew Paterno, community manager, Relay For Life, American Cancer Society.
Singer is working with Andrew Paterno, community manager, Relay For Life, American Cancer Society (ACS), on last-minute logistics and is encouraged by the teams already registered to participate.
“The Bark For Life event is an opportunity for people to celebrate canine companionship and fight back against cancer with their dogs,” said Singer. “Everyone is welcome to attend, whether you are a cancer survivor, someone whose friend or relative is facing the disease, or you just want to help make a difference in the fight against cancer.”
Paterno noted this year’s theme is the Olympics and the planning committee has several surprises in mind, including gold medals for the winners in several “doggie games,” ranging from a triathlon and high jump to the best gymnast.
A dress-up contest also featuring the Olympics theme is slated and categories will include “best owner/dog look-alike” and “best costume.”
“It’s fun recognition,” said Paterno.
For Singer, chairing this event for the second year is a labor of love since cancer has struck friends of hers as well as family members including her grandparents.
“I have lost a number of family members, a dear friend and my grandparents to cancer,” said Singer. “Experiencing those losses gave me the impetus to make a difference.”
Now in its sixth year at Stanley Park, the Bark For Life event is planned from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting with registration at the Meeting House. The quarter-mile track will be set up in a loop fashion so that participants can walk additional laps if desired.
“We want to engage a new generation to join us in the fight against cancer,” said Singer, noting that some of the extracurricular activities for participants will include basketball and volleyball games set up. “We will also have wading pools available for the dogs to splash in.”
Last year, Paterno noted that the Bark For Life of the Pioneer Valley brought together 235 dog lovers and their furry friends, and raised more than $27,000 for the American Cancer Society.
“This year we have set a goal of $30,000,” said Paterno, noting the event is made possible by the “generous support” of the Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital in South Deerfield, that will also provide an emergency veterinarian on-site during the walk, the East Springfield Veterinary Hospital, and Dave’s Soda & Pet City, as well as by the support of the many participants who “work so hard to raise money for this cause.”
Funds raised from Bark For Life help the ACS save lives by funding groundbreaking research, supporting education efforts, and providing free information and critical services for cancer patients.
“Cancer survivors and their families are the main focus of the event,” said Paterno. “We honor our survivors and offer a place for them to gather and connect with those who have been touched by cancer.”
Audrey Singer is the chair of the volunteer planning committee for the American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life canine event at Stanley Park. Singer, seen with “Carl” who will be walking with her on May 1, reviews details with Andrew Paterno, community manager, Relay For Life, American Cancer Society.
Paterno added that having dogs as a part of the celebration is important since they can be a “fantastic addition to the treatment process.”
“In many circumstances pets understand that something is wrong and will stick by one’s side,” said Paterno.
Singer thanked the 41 teams already registered as well as the volunteers who have stepped forward to help and welcomes anyone who is eager to join the fight against cancer.
“Our teams have donated raffle baskets and parents from the Highland School have already committed to helping with our Bark-B-Q,” said Singer. “We encourage middle and high school students to also get involved, including with our reception for cancer survivors, since community service hours are available.”
Paterno also acknowledged the staff at Stanley Park for their ongoing efforts.
“The park goes out of their way every year and has been extremely welcoming for the past six years,” said Paterno.
The celebration will also include music by disc jockey Nick Gagne of Preztige Worldwide, a large basket raffle, a 50/50 raffle, and the Bark-B-Q featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, cookies, soda and water. Doggie ice cream will also be available for one’s four-legged friends.
To register a team or for more information, visit the website RelayForLife.org/BarkForLifeMA or call the American Cancer Society at (413) 493-2110. Also, for up-to-the-minute details, visit the society’s Facebook page at American Cancer Society Bark For Life of the Pioneer Valley.
For any business or organization interested in donating a raffle prize or for anyone interested in donating their time, contact Singer at [email protected].
“We encourage participants to form teams and ask family and friends to support their efforts financially to help the American Cancer Society save lives from cancer,” said Singer. “We encourage teams to register prior to the event but we will also take registrations that morning.”
