Woofstock Returns to The Common
Annual Fundraising Dog Walk in Downtown Pittsfield
Berkshire Humane Society (BHS) is excited to announce that its annual fundraising dog walk, Woofstock, will take place at The Common in downtown Pittsfield on Sunday, September 10th. Senior Greyhound and adoption alumna, Gabby, will serve as the Grand Marshal. Woofstock invites participants to raise money on behalf of BHS’s shelter animals and register to walk a loop around downtown with or without their dog.
“The goal of this event is to celebrate the people in our community and their dogs,” said John Perreault, Executive Director of BHS. “It’s a fun way to raise money to support our shelter animals. Since this is our 25th anniversary year, our goal is $25,000. It’s ambitious, but we know how much people love their dogs and want to see all shelter animals find loving homes. If we can get 100 people to each raise $250 – we’re gold! Of course every little bit counts. If someone only raises $25, we’re thrilled to have them walk with us.”
Numerous prizes are available for increasing levels of fundraising, from BHS 25th anniversary apparel to tickets to special events. Raise $250 or more for a one-on-one photo shoot with award-winning animal photographer Jesse Freidin. Raise $500 or more for two tickets to BHS’s 25th Birthday Bash, hosted by Pet Connection’s Steve Caporizzo at the Colonial Theatre on October 22nd.
New to this year’s event is a “Virtual Dog Walk” option. People who are unable to attend the actual event on Sept. 10th may participate virtually by signing up online, raising money, and walking when/if they can on their own time.
“We wanted to be as inclusive as possible,” said Perreault. “We have a fantastic committee helping put this event together, and they felt strongly about including people who may not live here year-round or who are physically unable to participate. Everyone can help out – and on the day of the event, we’re going to recognize our Virtual Walkers.”
Participants are encouraged to register online to take advantage of social media and sharing tools, as well as guarantee an event t-shirt in the preferred size (for a minimum of $60 in donations).
Online registration (https://berkshirehumane.org/) is strongly encouraged. Day-of registration begins at 10:00 a.m. with the dog walk following at 11:00 a.m. Afterward, BHS, along with sponsors and vendors, will host activities for families and canines on the lawn. Food vendors will also be present. More details will follow.
Sponsors for the event currently include: Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, Onyx Specialty Papers, Inc., Dettinger Lumber, Smith Bros McAndrews. Vendors include: Animal DREAMS, Berkshire Disaster Animal Response Team, Berkshire Humane Society Humane Heroes, Marki’s French Fries & Fried Dough, and Starbucks. Both sponsors and vendors are still being accepted.
To register and learn more, visit BerkshireHumane.org. You may also call (413) 477-7878, ext. 131.