By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
The St. Joseph Friends of the Animal Shelter is celebrating one of the most successful Run, Walk for the Paws 5k's to date.
Melanie Barnes with Friends, says in its 11th year, the 5k saw record breaking numbers
"We had over 500 participants, we broke a record there at 508 participants signed up, and then we raised over $17,000 at this event, which is great, which was also a record-breaking opportunity for us to raise that much money," Barnes tells KFEQmunnity host Brent Martin.
Barnes says every dollar raised helps, but adds that even the amount raised during the 5k hardly covers everything that Friends provides
"If you're ever a part of a lot of the Friends of the Animal Shelter volunteer group, you know how much money we spend on medical care, on supplies for the shelter, and adoption specials and so honestly that $17,000 we raised is just a scratch, it's just a scratch of what we need," Barnes explains. "But we couldn't do it, that is a big fundraising event."
Barnes says the event sees mostly local people participate with their pets, and does usually see more walkers
"The runners definitely like to get out there and they like to get out there first, and there are some people that run with their dogs too, but we definitely attract those people who just enjoy a nice stroll or walk or want to do something with their pet," Barnes says. "So, a lot of the other 5k's or 10k's or even I think they had a half marathon this year are a little bit more focused on those serious longer distance runners, where we're focused on a 5k, shorter distance, and that community with a pet."
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