Pet Celebration Evolves to become Celebration of Pets Foundation; a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization
Updated: Jul 5, 2020
Out of an idea that originated back in 2012 as a means of helping local animal shelters and educating the public on pet welfare, Pet Celebration approaches its 9th Annual Event Day in Hayesville, NC. And the team behind this successful venture has plans to expand its scope and its reach into local communities.
As of 2020, the Planning Team from Pet Celebration decided to greatly improve their efforts by becoming a 501C-3 non profit with a Board of Directors and an Executive Board. Dr. Burr serves as President, Linda Vanderlaan is VP, Mitzi Shepherd is Secretary, and Michelle Poole is Treasurer. Other board members are Pam Roman, Sandy Hazen, Dr. Bill Seanor, Karen Vaughn, and Cheyenne Spicola. Wonderful volunteers from the rescue groups and local communities also participate. The newly formed Celebration of Pets Foundation will continue to host the annual Pet Celebration but has expanded its efforts to fulfill its ambitious Mission Statement.
The newly formed Celebration of Pets Foundation will continue to host the annual Pet Celebration but has expanded its efforts to fulfill its ambitious Mission Statement.
The annual Pet Celebration Day is held in September and typically consists of reduced cost vaccine clinic, Ask the Vet live radio show, obedience and agility class demonstrations, first responders / Medical Service dogs, Blessing of the Pets, Pet Photography, live and silent auctions, Pet Parade and Costume Contest, Weiner Dog race, and more, with each year there are improvements and additions. The Historic Hayesville Square is the perfect location that allows for many pet related products and service provider vendors / exhibitors, refreshments, music and entertainment.
What the Future Will Bring
From here the Celebration of Pets Foundation Team will extend their community outreach beyond the one day event and bring education, awareness and fund raising on a more accessible level to more people throughout the year. By harnessing the resources of the many organizations in our area, the team will generate a greater visibility and in the community. With that additional exposure, they will spread their message of the needs in our community and how people can become involved in their efforts to save the lives of discarded pets in our shelters and help prevent the escalation of pet abandonment.
Their ultimate goal is to intervene farther upstream than the shelters and infuse an understanding of the responsibilities of pet ownership and stewardship.
For more information on how you can participate, you may email info@celebrationofpetsfoundation.org or call toll free 888-496-2387.