By Scott D. Johnston
The sixth annual Ocean Shores Woof-a-Thon takes place today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at a new location: the football field at North Beach Junior/Senior High School.
Event founder Wilma Spike calls it “the most fun day of the year for your dog — and you.”
Like many events along the North Coast, it’s a party with a purpose. In five years, the local nonprofit organization has donated more than $55,000 to pet related charities and activities in Grays Harbor County.
“We anticipate giving another $10,000 or more” to four charities this year, said Spike.
After five years, she has stepped down as president of the nonprofit’s board of directors, although she remains active. Along the way, she’s created a successful niche in the public’s mind. The event this year has attracted more than 40 sponsors and supporters.
“I’m very grateful that wonderful volunteers have stepped up to make sure that there would be a Woof-a-Thon this year,” she said.
Nancy Oakes has taken the helm and brings over 30 years of experience with nonprofit fundraising and animal rescue work, experiences she described as “heartbreaking and heartwarming, time consuming, and the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.
“It’s a real privilege to be able to help Woof-a-Thon this year. It’s always tough to step into the shoes of a founder, and I’m hoping I’ve done justice to Wilma’s idea and vision, and to the animals,” she said.
She thanked everyone involved, but noted especially board members Donna and Mike Preston and Jan Guertin and husband Bob, who “have all been just fantastic … worked tirelessly to pull it all together … they are amazing!”
The event includes a variety of vendors, free treats for both dogs and their people, free bottled water for people, wading pools, water dishes, an ice cream truck, a sticker-free area, mosquito repellant, face painting, tarot card readings, music by DJ Charlie Baer and more.
One of the popular fundraising highlights is a raffle of more than a dozen elaborate, themed gift baskets. Another traditional activity is a dog walk for which participants have collected sponsor pledges they donate to Woof-a-Thon. The walk will be on the track that encircles Lt. Jim Davis Field at North Beach High, and those participating receive prizes based on the donations they’ve collected.
A new feature this year honors the memory of Woof-a-Thon’s mascot and “logo dog,” Pearl, Spike’s beloved blue merle Pomeranian who “crossed the rainbow bridge” earlier this year. The annual Pearl Memorial Award will be given “to an individual who assists vets, animal control, or rescue groups by continuously opening their home and heart to care for animals through fostering and caring for injured dogs or cats until they can be adopted out to a loving home,” according to the organization’s website.
Woof-a-Thon beneficiaries this year are:
• West Coast Search Dogs of Washington, www.westcoastsearchdogs.org
• Harbor Rescue, www.harborrescue.net
• Gentle Paws Hospice &Sanctuary, www.gentlepawssanctuary.org
• PAWS of Grays Harbor, www.pawsgh.org
More information on the event and the non-rofit organization is available on their Facebook page, Woofathon, and their website, www.oceanshoreswoofathon.org.
