Why We Walk: Save-A-Pet in Grayslake to host virtual 5K walk/run June 27
It's not always easy to find an organization that will take you off the streets, clean you up and take you in, no questions asked, for as long as you need them.
It doesn't matter what you've done or your temperament, people are there to make sure you heal and find a place to live.
That's exactly what volunteers at Save-A-Pet in Grayslake do for the dogs and cats they shelter. They will do anything it takes to give that animal a second chance to find a loving, permanent home.
In order to help with its mission, Save-A-Pet will be sponsoring its annual 5K Run and Fun Walk event June 27, this year in a virtual format.
Deb Rabine, development coordinator for Save-A-Pet, offers a look at the organization and its fundraising event.
Q: What is Save A Pet Adoption Center? Give a brief overview of what the organization does and who you serve.
A: Save-A-Pet is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization and the largest no-kill cat and dog rescue in Lake County.
They provide a safe haven for abused, neglected, injured, lost or animals that may have been scheduled to be euthanized at another facility.
They never put a limit on the amount of care they provide for an animal and they never give up on them. Thus, Save-A-Pet offers rescued dogs and cats the greatest opportunity for a second chance.
They take great pride in practicing their no-kill mission and in stewarding their donors' contributions, both of which have led to the successful adoption of more than 64,000 dogs and cats.
Q: Where do the majority of your donations come from?
A: Save-A-Pet relies on donations from individuals, corporations and from grants, but the far majority of donations are from individual animal lovers.
Q: What are some of your programs?
A: Programs include: intake, adoptions, community events, fundraising events, microchipping, trap-neuter-release for community cats, foster - temporary and permanent, volunteer, humane investigations, dog play groups/socialization (for animals in Adoption Center, not for public), cat socialization (for animals in Adoption Center, not for public).
Q: Tell us about your virtual event. How does it work? What is the fee?
A: This is the third year that Save-A-Pet has hosted a 5K Run and Fun Walk event. The first two years it was held at Old School Forest Preserve, but in 2020 it is a virtual event. The cost to register is only $25 and each participant will receive a race backpack, a commemorative race T-shirt and a paw-shaped participation medal.
Participants can run, walk, dance or complete the race in any way they choose, at any time, in any location. It is not necessary to turn in your results.
Q: How can people participate?
A: To register, visit bit.ly/TailsNTreatsRun.
Q: How can readers help if they can't participate in the event?
A: If you are unable to participate in the event, you can still support the runners by making a donation to their personal page on the race site above or by making a gift to Save-A-Pet at saveapetil.org; click on the Donate button.
Q: What else would you like readers to know?
A: Due to the pandemic, Save-A-Pet has had to postpone, change or cancel fundraising events. These events, along with donations from individuals, make up the majority of the $2 million annual operating budget.
At this time, they are experiencing a dramatic decrease in funding and need your help more than ever. Please support the Tails N Treats Run or donate to Save-A-Pet today.
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Save-A-Pet's Virtual 5K Run and Fun Walk
Who: Save-A-Pet, the largest no-kill cat and dog rescue in Lake County
When: Saturday, June 27
Cost: $25; participants receive a race backpack, commemorative T-shirt and a paw-shaped participation medal
To register or donate: http://bit.ly/TailsNTreatsRun