ARF’s Animals On Broadway May 19: Mark Your Calendar

WALNUT CREEK, CA — Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) announced today their annual Animals on Broadway event, a pet walk and free community festival celebrating the human-animal bond will take place on Saturday, May 19, at the home of title sponsor Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek, California. The event kicks off with a one-mile morning pet walk with individuals and teams raising awareness of and support for ARF’s programs.

“Our community has enthusiastically supported ARF’s vision from the time Elaine and Tony La Russa founded it more than two and a half decades ago,” said Elena Bicker, ARF’s executive director. “Today, with our growth ­- saving almost 40,000 animals to date and providing national program models for both animals and people - it’s still our neighbors and longtime friends motivating us to reach new achievements in animal welfare. This event not only introduces newcomers to our programs, but serves to thank everyone who’s adopted an animal, volunteered, attended a youth program or simply encouraged our work.”

The festival kicks off with the one-mile fundraising pet walk at 9:30 a.m. designed to raise awareness and critical funds for ARF’s life-saving programs. ARF hopes to raise $95,000 for animal rescues through support of individual walkers and teams. Online registration is now open at arflife.org. Leashed pets are welcome. Even if you’re unable to attend, virtual walkers are encouraged to support participating teams or create virtual teams at arf.donordrive.com.

Additional festivities begin at 10 a.m. and include pet adoptions, pet product booths, demonstrations, a Doggie Casting Call with KOFY-TV, a best dressed pet contest, raffle prizes, and more. A Kid Zone will feature pet-themed activities and games for younger animal lovers.

Those interested in event sponsorship, booth rentals, or raffle support should contact Kimberly Baptista at kbaptista@arflife.org or (925) 296-3118.

-Announcement from ARF; Photo by Bea Karnes, Patch