Our big moment finally had arrived as we launched our ASPCA Rachel Ray 100K Challenge Kickoff event at River Park on Sunday, June 1, 2014. Our mobile adoption unit filled with adorable adoptable pets was set up alongside lots of fun family activities, including a Smooch-a-Pooch booth, educational games and balloons for children, face painting, and our pet accessory/gift store.
Our theme for the 100K Challenge is “Be a Life Saver” so a few of Fresno’s “life savers,” joined us in support. Thanks to the Fresno Police Department, Officer Sturgeon and his K9 partner, Jack, and to Koby Johns and his team of fire fighters from Fresno’s Fire Department who came to cheer us on and help save animals’ lives by encouraging the public to adopt a pet.
Our amazing and dedicated volunteers also participated by answering questions from the public, showing off the animals, and making sure all the cats and dogs stayed cool. In addition, the Fresno Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Service also came out and shared their fabulous rescued and rehabilitated birds with the public.
For the entire day, we had a packed house. There were long lines at the Smooch-a-Pooch booth. Everyone wanted to get a “wet one” on their face from a cute fluffy. The face painting booth also had an endless line of children who couldn’t wait to see their faces after the artist was done.
We also had live, special entertainment from Mega 97.9, an affiliate of our “Presenting 100K Sponsor” KMJNOW of Cumulus Media and a great local band “The Riversend.” They provided a wonderful assortment of uplifting and fun music for the event.
Our special adoption fee for all dogs and cats was $28.80, which reflected the amount of 2,880 animals we wish to find homes for during this challenge. After each adoption, staff and volunteers cheered with delight! The total of animals adopted out between our River Park location and our Animal Center was a whopping 43 for that fun-filled Sunday!
This special adoption promo ran from June 1 to June 8, 2014. During that time there were over 200 adoptions! Thank you to all the “Life Savers” who gave a forever home to the animals.
Couldn’t make it to our Kickoff event? Please visit our mobile adoption unit at River Park on selected Saturdays of the month or visit our Animal Center that’s open daily!
Become a “Life Saver” today and adopt a pet!
View all the event photos on Facebook!
