West Suburban Humane Society's Barkapalooza features online activities this year
If you've been walking your pooch a little more during the pandemic, why not do it in honor of a good cause?
West Suburban Humane Society's 27th annual Barkapalooza fundraiser will be virtual this year.
Already underway, Barkapalooza will run through Sunday, Sept. 27, which would have been the date for people to come together with their four-legged friends to raise funds for the organization located in Downers Grove.
Barkapalooza ensures that the West Suburban Humane Society can continue to care for the hundreds of dogs and cats in its care, especially those that may have expensive medical needs or ones that need time to adjust before adoption.
Barkapalooza 2020 will feature online events and activities through Sept. 27. Visit wshs-dg.org/barkapalooza-2020 for the full schedule of events already happening and to register to participate and fundraise virtually.
Participants are encouraged to collect pledges for the walkathon through First Giving and bid on and purchase goods from pet-related vendors through Bidding For Good.
Julia Shell of Julia Shell Public Relations talks more about Barkapalooza.
Q: What is the West Suburban Humane Society? Give a brief overview of what the organization does and who you serve.
A: The West Suburban Humane Society is a volunteer-based, animal welfare organization that was founded in 1972. We are an adoption center dedicated to finding safe, compatible, permanent homes for our dogs and cats.
Q: Where do the majority of your donations come from?
A: The majority of our donations come from individuals. We also receive some corporate and foundation donations.
Q: What are some of your programs?
A: We offer adoption services, a variety of children and adult humane education programs (summer camp, youth/school group presentations, adult presentations, tours, read to the cats program).
Q: Tell us about the Barkapalooza Dog Walkathon. How does it work?
A: Virtual Barkapalooza Dog Walk and Pet Expo runs now through Sept. 27. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year. The theme of Barkapalooza this year is celebrating the bond between people and their pets.
On Aug. 29, we started sharing videos on our website, social media channels and YouTube featuring demonstrations of activities you can do to strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
Q: How can people participate?
A: Watch our videos and share our social media posts. Set up a Firstgiving page and raise funds. There are great prizes based on the amount of donations collected.
Bid on silent auction prizes. Shop one of our service or shopping vendors. During the month of September, they will be donating proceeds back to the shelter from every sale or service appointment.
Kids can also participate in our Barkapalooza Pages for Pets reading challenge. The six kids who raise the money will get a special visit with our dogs and cats. For information, visit wshs-dg.org/barkapalooza-2020.
Q: How can readers help if they can't participate in the event?
A: Share our posts on social media or make a donation to the shelter.
Q: What else would like readers to know?
A: With the pandemic and economic uncertainty, West Suburban Humane Society is being asked to do more with less. We rely on the funds raised from Barkapalooza to allow us to continue to help homeless cats and dogs. For more info on how you can donate, visit the Barkapalooza event page at wshs-dg.org.
Barkapalooza
Who: Benefits the West Suburban Humane Society
When: Now through Sunday, Sept. 27
Details or to register: