Pets are the star of the show as Long Island Cares unleashes its fourth annual 5K & Paws Walk on Sunday, Sept. 21, at the Belmont Lake State Park in North Babylon.
The pet-friendly event—yes, even Fido can get into the act— starts at 9 a.m. with options for participants to walk, run or wag their way through the scenic course. Sign-in begins at 8 a.m., and the action will take place rain or shine.
“Unlike traditional races, this event welcomes dogs to walk or run alongside their humans,” said Event Coordinator Theresa Redlein of the nonprofit Long Island Cares, The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank. “It’s a celebration of the bond between people and pets. The event supports Baxter's Pet Pantry. Proceeds help feed pets in need across Long Island. So, dog lovers know their participation directly helps other animals.”
Some highlights this year will be an opportunity to win the gift basket of one's choosing in a raffle open to all who donate a non-perishable food item for humans or pets. A light breakfast may give runners their get up and go. And those looking to find their next furry friend can connect with several adoption-oriented nonprofits on site, said Redlein.
“The 5K & Paws Walk began four years ago as a simple dog walk, but last year we expanded it to include a 5K run/walk, opening the event to all Long Islanders who want to support a great cause while enjoying a fun, active day with or without their furry friends,” she said.
Last year’s event welcomed more than 265 runners and walkers and more than 125 dogs. But “this year is shaping up to be even bigger” based on the number of registrants,” she said.
Delving into the benefits of the event, Redlein explained that food insecurity is taking its toll on both families and their pets. With food insecurity “at an all-time high on Long Island,” she said, Long Island Cares is serving more than 313,800 Long Island neighbors, which includes 71, 500 children.
“We know that families facing food insecurity often struggle to provide for their beloved pets. That’s why we established Baxter’s Pet Pantry to ensure that all members of the family have enough to eat by making food and supplies available for your pets,” she said.
Long Island Cares Inc. was founded by the late Harry Chapin in 1980. It is celebrating 45 years of helping the food insecure on Long Island. As Redlein explains, “Long Island Cares Inc. brings together all available resources for the benefit of the hungry and food insecure on Long Island and, to the best of our ability, provides for the humanitarian needs of our community. Our goals are to improve food security for families, sponsor programs that help families achieve self-sufficiency, and educate the general public about the causes and consequences of hunger on Long Island.”
Those interested in participating on Sunday should check out the website. For sign-up click on the following.