3rd Annual "Cause for Paws" - A Great Success!!!

Hundreds of paws paraded around Portsmouth during the 3rd Annual "Cause for Paws" 5K Run, Dog Walk & Festival, which was held Saturday April 30, 2011 at North Landing in Olde Towne Portsmouth. Over 300 attendees and their canine companions came out to support the Portsmouth Humane Society's annual fundraiser, which raised over $29,000- a record amount for the event!

A 5K Run kicked off the event, with over 100 participants running the course through Historic Olde Towne Portsmouth. Dogs and their owners then participated in a 1 mile dog walk which was followed by the Festival. Supporters were able to shop from local vendors, learn about the dedicated work of rescue groups, enjoy delicious food and relax to the music of the "Joint Therapy" band.

The money raised from the event will go towards our Capital Campaign for a new shelter. The urgent need for more space and the need to comply with new, more stringent state regulation has compelled us to embark on a capital campaign to improve our facilities with a new building.

At approximately 9,500 square feet, the new building will include expanded dog runs, an indoor exercise area, a cat play room, puppy and kitten nurseries, a humane education area, a lost and found station and more.

The cost of the new shelter will be $1.9 million with a goal to raise $1 million in private donations towards construction of the new facility. PHS has already committed and pledged funds that will cover almost half the costs of land acquisition and building construction.

3rd Annual "Cause for Paws"

This is my favorite time of year- "Cause for Paws" time! The event committee is busy preparing for this fun-filled experience, which will take place on Saturday, April 30. Last year we raised a record-setting $25,000 for the animals and I am confident that we can surpass that amount this year. We've added a 5K Run to the mix or you can opt for the leisurely 1 mile Dog Walk. After that, stroll through the festival which will include local Rescue Groups, vendors, live music, food and more!

You can raise money to participate in the dog walk and even win some great prizes, including a Nintendo Wii! Create your own FIRSTGIVING webpage and supporters can donate directly to your cause!

Visit www.portsmouthhumanesociety.org/causeforpaws.html for more information or to register to participate! We hope to see you there!

The Fur Ball was a SUCCESS!

I am thrilled to announce that we raised over $30,000 from the 1st Annual Fur Ball Gala on Saturday Jan. 29, 2011!! That is a tremendous amount, especially considering this is a first-time event. All the proceeds from the event, which was held at Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel, will go directly to the Capital Campaign for a new shelter.

Our guests enjoyed cocktails, a delicious plated dinner with dessert, live entertainment from Strickly Bizzness, free photo booth photos from the Boardwalk Photo Booth Company, a complimentary pet reading from animal communicator Chris Stakes, professional photos from Ramone Photography, and opportunities to bid on silent auction items or purchase raffle prize tickets.

The event was such a success that we have already set the date for next year- January 28, 2012! I cannot say THANK YOU enough to the sponsors, participants and guests of the event!! We could not have done it without your support!