East End Wines & Canines Run/Walk To Support Animals Displaced From Hurricane Harvey

On Sunday, October 1, you can help save homeless pets while enjoying the lovely landscapes of a local vineyard during peak harvest season when Kent Animal Shelter hosts its annual Wines & Canines Walk/Run at the Baiting Hollow Vineyard in Calverton.

"This year we expect more crowd funding participants who helped to raise over $3,000 last year," noted Pamela Green, Executive Director of Kent Animal Shelter. "Anyone who wants to be a hero for homeless animals can start their own fundraising campaign and help raise funds this year."

This year's event is particularly important for the Calverton-based shelter, as they were among local shelters who have taken in animals displaced from Hurricane Harvey. Earlier in September, the first of the rescues arrived on the East End, where they are being sheltered at Kent Animal Shelter, the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons and the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation. Two shelters in New Jersey also participated in receiving homeless animals. In the following weeks, even more animals were transported to local shelters in efforts coordinated by Best Friends Animal Sanctuary based in Utah.

"When Best Friends Animal Sanctuary reached out, our response was that we are willing and able to take as many animals as possible for as long as the need is there," shared Green. "We are hoping that some of the animals from Hurricane Harvey will also be reunited with their original owners. If not, they will be given a second chance and placed in forever homes by Kent Animal Shelter."

Walkers and runners may start the course anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and this is not a timed race. After the walk there will be a prize auction, raffles, pet costume contest, pet/owner look-alike contest, pet trick contest, dogs on leashes, adoptable pets, wine and food sales, Kent's traveling pet boutique and live music.

All proceeds from this event will help animals in crisis. The Kent Animal Shelter, which was founded almost 50 years ago, relies entirely on the support of individuals and charities to shelter and feed homeless pets, find them loving homes, provide them veterinary care and educate the public about animal welfare.

"The top fundraiser will win a flat screen TV this year," added Green. "The second largest fundraiser will receive a huge DiCarlo food and wine baskets. There's fun contests and baskets in the Chinese auction."

There is a $30 minimum donation in order to register for this race, children 12-years-old and under are free.

Baiting Hollow Vineyard is located at 2114 Sound Avenue in Baiting Hollow. For more information call 631-727-5731 or visit www.crowdrise.com.