Fundraisers to Help Pets’ Medical Costs

The BirchBark Foundation, which offers assistance grants to animal owners who are unable to cover the costs of their pet’s medical care, will hold a number of fundraisers on the Central Coast in the next few months.

Upcoming fundraisers include:

Sundays, August 20 & September 17: “Paws in the Park” community dog walk along the San Lorenzo River, 10 a.m. Join BirchBark Foundation, the Coastal Watershed Council, and WoofPack831 at the Gateway Plaza fitness area.

The walk will loop across the pedestrian street bridge, down the east side of the Riverwalk, through San Lorenzo Park and back up the west side to the Plaza. The first 20 walkers will receive a BirchBark Foundation portable pet food dish. Start your WoofTrax when you walk and BirchBark will receive donations as the group of walkers grows. Dates: Aug. 20, Sept. 17.

Saturday, Aug. 26: “BirchBark Day” noon-3 p.m. at La Balena Cucina Toscana, Junipero Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, Carmel. A percentage of lunch proceeds and all proceeds from the purchase of a specially selected glass of wine will be donated to BirchBark.

Also participating in the event is Pepper, a miniature schnauzer, and his best friend Ron Wormser, co-authors of the book “A Dog’s Tale.” Pepper will donate 100% of the proceeds of the sale of his book to BirchBark, with Wormser matching every $15 sale with a donation of his own.

“A Dog’s Tale,” the true story of the amazing life led by Pepper, who was not just a dog, but a very bright, funny, thoughtful, generous, creative, talented, and loving being, is now available for sale to the public, after more than 20 years in private circulation.

Pepper and Ron are also seeking outside donors who would like to match the sales of each book (up to a specific amount) during this event, to further increase donations to this worthy cause. For a matching donation contact either info@birchbarkfoundation.org or go to www.birchbarkfoundation.org indicating the goal is to match Pepper’s gift.

Reservations are suggested at (831) 250-6295. Space is limited. Well-behaved dogs welcome on the patio. La Balena’s rustic Italian menu, created by head chef Adelfo Barragan and owners Emanuele and Anna Bartolini, changes daily and features hand-crafted pastas and slow-cooked meats. labalenacarmel.com.

BirchBark Foundation provides financial resources for those in need, educational resources to our community and empowers people to make informed decisions in times of crisis and to be better advocates for their pets. BirchBark offers assistance grants to animal owners who are unable to cover some or all of the cost of their pet’s medical care. BirchBark currently offer grants only to financially qualified applicants in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. The Foundation is reliant on the discounted services of Associate Member Hospitals.

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BirchBark Foundation 101 Cooper St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 contact@birchbarkfoundation.org Facebook: facebook.com/BirchBarkFoundation

For more information please visit: www.birchbarkfoundation.org