OCEAN CITY — Ocean City is going to the dogs this weekend, April 22-23, and the community is invited to join the Worcester County Humane Society for a weekend of fundraising fun, including the 17th Annual Boardwalkin’ for Pets.
The public is invited to a dinner and silent auction on Friday, April 22 at Adolfo’s on the ocean (13th Street) from 5-9 p.m. Advance tickets are being sold online (www.worcestercountyhumanesociety.org/boardwalkin-for-pets) or at Adolfo’s for $15, which includes choice of spaghetti and meatballs, eggplant parmesan, chicken parmesan, side salad, fresh baked rolls, dessert and nonalcoholic beverage. Tickets will also be available at the door for $20. Adolfo’s will donate a percentage from every ticket purchased to the Worcester County Humane Society. The dinner is a casual gathering with some fabulous auction items to bid on ranging from $10 to $1,000.
On Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m.-noon, grab your best friend and head to the Boardwalk Inlet for the 17th Annual Boardwalkin’ for Pets. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. with the walk starting at 9 a.m. Raise money for the walk and receive prizes. This is the perfect opportunity to create a team. After the long winter what better way to gather some family, friends, classmates, coworkers or neighbors and raise money, walk and have fun. There is a $25 minimum for individuals and for teams a $25 per team per member minimum.
Prizes will be awarded to the highest pledge earners, top individual and team. Enter contests and win prizes for largest dog, smallest dog, best dressed dog and best dog trick. There will be refreshments provided by Harrison’s Harbor Watch Restaurant and Layton’s Family Restaurant on 16th Street.
For the out of town walkers, special rates are available at the following dog friendly hotels — La Quinta Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn & Suites and Clarion. Mention Boardwalkin’ for Pets to receive the special rates.
Don’t have a dog to walk? “Adopt” a shelter dog for the event. Arrangements must be made in advance by calling the shelter at 410-213-0146.
Organizers don’t want to forget about their feline friends. Bring a photo of your cat to the walk with your contact information written on the back. A special prize basket will be awarded to the “cutest cat”. Photos will not be returned and become property of Worcester County Humane Society.
“Last year was amazing with participants raising about $30,000,” says Boardwalkin’ for Pets Chair, Heather Bahrami. “This year, the goal is $50,000 and I feel very confident we can do it. The event is such a fun way to gather with friends and family to get outside and be active all while helping the animals at the shelter.”
The Worcester County Humane Society located on 12330 Eagles Nest Road, Berlin, is a private, nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter and operates mainly on donations. Boardwalkin’ for Pets is the shelter’s largest fundraiser held every year. All money raised is used to care for the many dogs and cats that call the shelter home. In addition to providing everyday care, the animals also receive veterinary care which can be quite expensive. The animals receive loving care until they are adopted into suitable homes.
For more information or to pre-register for the walk visit the event website www.worcestercountyhumanesociety.org/boardwalkin-for-pet or check out the Boardwalkin’ for Pets Facebook page.