The 802Cars.com family of dealerships is a proud “Top Dog” Sponsor for the 2016 Central Vermont Humane Society’s Walk for Animals. We’re a bunch of animal lovers here at 802 and Twin City so this is one of our favorite events of the year! This year’s walk takes place at the Montpelier High School with registration opening at 9:30am and the walk starting at 10:00am where participants and their four legged friends will walk through downtown Montpelier to raise awareness and funding for shelter animals. The 2016 Walk for Animals will conclude with a party and prize ceremony at 11:30am.

We thought it would be nice take a moment in the days leading up to the 2016 Walk for Animals and learn a little bit more about the Central Vermont Humane Society. Linnea Cecere, CVHS Events Coordinator, was kind enough to sit down with us and answer a few questions about  the Central Vermont Humane Society, this year’s walk and how you can get involved and help improve the lives of animals in Central Vermont.

Q: What is Central Vermont Humane Society?
A: Central Vermont Humane Society is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. CVHS has been saving animals’ lives for over 50 years.

Q: Where do you get most of your financial support?
A: Central Vermont Humane Society is supported by donations, fundraisers and small fees for some services. CVHS doesn’t receive financial support from national humane organizations or other humane societies

Q: What is the purpose of Walk for Animals?
A: The goal of Walk for Animals is to raise awareness and funding. Awareness of the work we do to help the lost, abandoned, abused and relinquished animals. Funding to bridge the gap between what we receive in adoption fees and the costs of caring for over 1,100 animals each year.

Q: Where do all the animals at CVHS come from?
A: Some are stray animals, owners surrendering pets, transfers or transports from other shelters/rescues and animals rescued from cruelty situations.

Q: What is your fundraising goal for 2016 Walk for Animals?
A: We are working really hard to raise $48,000! This is the largest amount we have ever attempted to raise at a Walk, but with everyone’s support, it can be done.

Q: How can someone get involved in helping the shelter animals?
A: People who would like to help, can go to our website, www.centralvermonthumane.org, and click on the 2016 Walk tab. There they will find lots of info about how to participate.

Q: What are some ways people can fundraise?
A: People can set up an online fundraising page by going to the link on our website. They can also collect cash and check donations and track those donations using a downloading and printing a pledge sheet from our website.

Q: How much does each Walk participant need to raise?
A: As much as they can. If they would like a Walk t-shirt, they need to raise at least $50. If each Walker raises $500, that will help us reach our goal.

Q: How can someone raise $500 in less than a week?
A: We have a simple formula to follow, which can be found on our website. Basically, a Walker can make the first donation of at least $25 to get started, and then ask family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and other contacts to also donate $15, $20, $25, or $50 each. With a large outreach, each Walker can make a big impact.

Q: Is the online fundraising difficult?
A: No, it is very simple. Just create your online fundraising page by going to this link, https://www.classy.org/montpelier/events/central-vermont-humane-society/e72634 and personalize your page. Then send your page to all of your contacts. People will help the animals because you are showing your support for the animals.

Q: How will the funds be used?
A: We have so many uses for the funds. All animals at CVHS are given fresh food and water multiple times a day; a safe, climate-controlled enviroment; medical evaluations; behavioral evaluations and enrichment activities to keep them healthy while waiting to be adopted. Some animals arrive at CVHS needing medical care, spay/neuter, major surgery, dental care or behavioral training – all to prepare them for adoption.

Q: But don’t adoption fees cover all that?
A: No, adoption fees don’t provide for all of the needs of the animals. It is only with major fundraising events like Walk for Animals, that we can care for all of the animals that come through our doors every year.

Q. Can people participate even if they aren’t available on June 4th?
A. Yes, we call that being a virtual walker. All donations made to an individual’s online donation page will come directly to CVHS. If a virtual walker also raises cash/check donations, they can drop that off at the shelter or mail it in to us.

Q. Tell me what people can expect on June 4th at the Walk.
A. We ask people to come to Montpelier High School for registration at 9:30 am. Once everyone is registered we will start the Walk, at about 10 am. The route is an easy, mostly level, 2-mile route through downtown Montpelier, which includes walking across the front of the State House steps. There will be route guides all along the Walk with water for Walkers. Also our CVHS van will be driving the route to rescue anyone who can’t complete the route. Then everyone will return to the high school field for a celebration.

Q: What is the celebration?
A: There will be free cake, ice cream and smoothies for everyone. Also, for the adults and children who raised the most money, there will be prizes to thank them for all of their efforts. Vendors with animal related products will have booths to display their products/services.

We hope to see you and your dog (you should probably leave your cat at home) this Saturday June 4th at the 2016 Central Vermont Humane Society Walk for Animals!