Annual TCHS Companion Walk Set for September 11 in St. Cloud’s Wilson Park

(KNSI) – On Saturday, September 11th, some Central Minnesotans will be out walking for a cause at Wilson Park.

The Tri-County Humane Society’s 33rd annual Companion Walk is set for Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s theme is “Mardi Paws.”

“Registration starts at 9 o’clock, and the walk kicks off at 10 o’clock,” said Vicki Davis, TCHS executive director. “And there’s a lot of fun stuff going on between walking and then coming back. There’s going to be food, contests for costumes for pets and costumes for people, paw art and a silent auction.”

Davis says people who are participating in the 1K or 5K walks can ask people to sponsor them as a way to fundraise for the shelter.

“Get the pledge form off the website or come down to the shelter, and ask your friends and family to sponsor you for the walk,” Davis said. “That can be anywhere between $10 or $10,000, or even $1 — it all adds up.”

TCHS’s fundraising goal this year is $55,000. Those funds go toward the shelters’ veterinary expenses.

People who raise or donate at least $50 get a “Mardi Paws” T-shirt, says Davis. At $100, they also get a tote bag, and at $250, another gift is added: Muggsy’s “Best Friend” blend coffee.

“For $500, you get all those things and you add on a sweatshirt and an entry into our grand prize drawing, and the grand prize is a meal catered for six from Jules’ Bistro,” she said.

But people who don’t fundraise ahead of time can still participate, Davis says. There’s no minimum donation. And, of course, dogs are welcome to walk with their people.

“If your dog is other-dog friendly, then by all means they’re welcome to come,” Davis said.

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