Washington County Hosts Annual Pawtumn Bark-A-Que
The fall-themed event aims to raise money to support the training and pairing of medical service dogs with veterans, first responders and civilians living with permanent disabilities.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GUARDIAN ANGELS MEDICAL SERVICE DOGS
On Saturday, Oct. 3 hundreds of Pittsburghers will come together for pumpkin decorating, live music and a pig roast meal — all for a good cause.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs will be hosting their annual Pawtumn Bark-A-Que fundraiser to support the training and pairing of medical service dogs with veterans, first responders and civilians living with permanent disabilities.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a non-profit organization based in Williston, Fla. The fall-themed event has previously been held in Florida, but after recently breaking ground on itsPennsylvania campus, the organization decided to move the event to Washington County this year. On top of having a fundraising goal of $55,000, organizers of the event aim to spreading the word about the organization.
“It hit me that we have to start doing stuff in Washington County and to get Washington County involved,” Brian DeLong, regional coordinator for Pittsburgh at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, says. “It’s to spread awareness about what we do, how well we do it and what sets us apart from the others.”
The $25 ticket will give participants access to a Cheplic’s Pig Roast meal with sides, as well as live music by “The Next,” a pumpkin to decorate and unlimited playground access. The first 100 tickets purchased will also receive an exclusive Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs hat. Participants will also be able to speak with recipients of the service dogs and learn about how they have come to improve their lives.
“We want people to come out, enjoy the day, and leave with a deeper understanding of what these dogs make possible,” Rachel Gochenour, development coordinator for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, says in a press release. “Community support helps us continue this mission and reminds recipients that they are not walking this journey alone.”
The fundraiser will be held from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Quail Acres Pavilion in North Strabane Park in North Strabane Township. To purchase tickets, click here.
