HATS raises $4,800 from 5K run/walk
Lynn Wloszek
Owners took their pooches to the track Saturday in an effort to raise money for the Humane Animal Treatment Society.
The fourth annual 5k run/walk began at the southwest side of the Comfort Inn Conference Center’s parking lot, 2424 S. Mission St., and stretched west along the trails.
Kristen Fabiano, chairwoman for the HATS 5k run/walk, said the event raised a little more than $4,800 with 80 walkers and runners attending.
HATS member Lee Fabiano said the event was one of the most successful so far.
“Everyone seemed to have a very good time and it turned out to be a fantastic morning,” Lee Fabiano said. “We had a lot of dogs, and all age groups were represented.”
The money raised will go toward HATS’ spay/neuter programs and pet adoptions, Kristen Fabiano said.
“We have an infancy program where foster families take in animals that are found and take care of them,” she said.
The money also will be used to help outfit the new wings of the animal shelter.
The run/walk allowed participants to bring their dog and the first pooch to cross the finish line received a prize as well.
Mount Pleasant resident Mindi Maddox raised $400 and for her efforts won the grand prize package of a doggy bandana, a night’s stay at the Mount Pleasant Comfort Inn, a round of golf for two as well as a gift certificate to Headliners, 214 E. Broadway St.
“She was well deserving of that wonderful prize,” Kristen Fabiano said.
Maddox also is a volunteer at the animal shelter as well as a foster parent.
People not able to attend the event could donate money in memory of a companion they had lost.
“This was a feature we added this year,” Kristen Fabiano said. “We had posters up with the names of the pets people had given money to in honor of their memory.”
The event was a success, she said.
“Looks like the event is growing and I hope it is a sign of more good things to come,” Kristen Fabiano said.
