Wainscott - The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, Inc. (ARF) announced that its 18th Annual "Stroll to the Sea" Dog Walk will be held Saturday, October 15, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The event is a fun, family outing set amidst the beautiful Hamptons Fall foliage, and it offers the feel of an idyllic country fair. It is intended to promote responsible dog ownership and awareness of ARF.

The two-mile walk to the ocean will begin and end at the Mulford Farm in the heart of East Hampton Village, owned by the East Hampton Historical Society. Dog walkers can register on line. The registration fee is $25 for adults, and free for children under 16.

All registrants are entitled to free micro-chipping for their dogs, free tee shirts and refreshments including Starbucks Coffee and Dreesen's Famous Donuts. This year's tee shirt features artwork by designer and personality Isaac Mizrahi. ARF is also pleased to announce that award winning actress; Mercedes Ruehl will start the walk with the official ribbon cutting.

The walk will be followed by contests such as "Dog/Owner Look Alike," "The Pooch Who Can Smooch," and "Musical Dogs." The first prize for all contest winners will be provided by Tiffany & Co. A dog agility course will be set up for all to try out. Musician Sandy Rapp will perform again this year, playing audience favorites on the guitar. For the second year in a row, a silent auction will be featured with many exciting products, services and experiences for owners and pets.

It's easy to raise pledges by going to the website. Set up your own page or join a team. The prizes for top fundraisers include: Two round trip tickets to London on British Airways, an 8 x 10 original acrylic portrait of your pet by artist Ellen Silverberg and your pet featured in ARF's 2013 Pet Calendar. The top child prize is a brand new bicycle from Bermuda Bikes.

Everyone who collects $250 in pledges or more receives a charming pet key fob, courtesy of Coach. Those who register as a "Top Dog," contributing $250, or a "Great Dane," contributing $500, are invited to attend the exclusive Kick-Off Cocktail Party on Friday, October 14 at 6 p.m. at a beautiful East Hampton Estate.

The dog contests and awards ceremony begin at 11 a.m. and the "Stroll to the Sea" festivities conclude at 12 noon. Rain date for the event is Sunday, October 16.

This year's title sponsor is Coach. Inc. Presenting sponsors include East End Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center, The Ocean Group and Starbucks.

Founded in 1974, the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons is the leading animal welfare organization on the East End of Long Island. Each year over 700 cats and dogs are provided food, exercise, a warm place to sleep and excellent veterinary care in a state-of-the-art Adoption Center. Since inception ARF has found homes for nearly 18,000 dogs and cats. ARF is dedicated to finding loving homes for precious pets not only to improve their lives but also the lives of the families who adopt them. The ARF Adoption Center is located at 90 Daniels Hole Road in Wainscott, next to the East Hampton Airport, 631-631-537-0400.