Hello friends,
Finally, at thirty-something years of age, I've decided to run my first 10K Marathon Race (okay so at least the word marathon is in the title) on October 25th, 2009 ~ the Marine Corps Marathon & 10K Race - in Washington, DC. After backing out of the Army 10Miler last year, I figured the best motivation I could find to race this year would be to run in support of the cause I care so much about and help raise money for the animals of the Washington Humane Society (WHS). Through various programs, WHS cares for approximately 30,000 animals each year. With programs that enforce laws that protect animals against cruelty and neglect, a humane education program that reaches out to inner-city youth teaching compassion for all living beings, a low-cost dog and cat sterilization and vaccination clinic to help those with lower incomes afford proper care for their pets, and a neighborhood feral cat partnership program (CatNiPP) that traps, sterilizes, and returns cats to managed colonies throughout the District, the Washington Humane Society partners with the community to bring about awareness to the pet over-population crisis and shares knowledge on the proper care & treatment of all animals.
WHS also promotes and celebrates the healing that takes place between people and animals through its vast number of volunteer programs. One example of this is witnessed through WHS' Dog Tags program where injured Soldiers recovering nearby at Walter Reed Army Medical Center come to WHS' Behavior & Learning Center to enroll in a 6 month, certificate-based, animal behavior & training course. The program benefits everyone involved. The Injured Soldiers gain opportunity to launch a new career working working with animals or simply learn new skills while enjoying recreational time with the animals of WHS. The shelter animals benefit from the positive interactions with the Soldiers and also from their new found skills that help them suceed in their adoptive homes. WHS offers this vocational program free of charge to the recovering Soldiers of Walter Reed.
To continue the amazing work that WHS provides both people and animals of the District, they need our help. As part of my commitment to be on the Washington Humane Society's team, I have promised to raise at least $1,800 by September 30th, 2009. Please help me by joining me in this effort.
Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. Thank you so much for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
Kevin
