To help save homeless pets, the Baltimore Ravens are teaming up with the Maryland SPCA to raise $430,000 at this year's March for the Animals walk-a-thon and festival scheduled for April 24. From April 1 through April 15, the Ravens will contribute an additional $25 for every online March for the Animals donation of $40 or more, up to a total of $5,000.
"The Maryland SPCA is an organization we're proud to support," said Ravens assistant general manager Eric DeCosta, who is a MD SPCA board member and this year's March for the Animals chairman. "The staff and volunteers work tirelessly to save thousands of pets each year, but they need the funds to do it. They don't receive any operating funding from the government or the ASPCA. They rely on community support and fundraisers like this to continue helping homeless pets."
To make a donation to the Maryland SPCA's March for the Animals, go to www.marchfortheanimals.org.
Registration is still being accepted for the March for the Animals. The Ravens will also donate an additional $25 to any participant or team who raises $40 or more from April 1 through April 15.
The March for the Animals will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Druid Hill Park located at 3001 East Drive in Baltimore. In addition to the 1.5 mile walk-a-thon, the fun-filled day will feature adoptable dogs from the MD SPCA and other local shelters and rescue groups, a demonstration by Mid-Atlantic Disc Dogs, low-cost microchipping, a "flea-less" market of pet friendly vendors, musical sit for dogs, a pet agility course, and a* *pet costume contest judged by celebrity guests. Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Michael Campanaro will be available for free autographs and photos at the Ravens' tent. There will also be a kids' zone, photo booth and food vendors. Maryland SPCA behavior experts will be on hand to answer any pet-related behavior questions and offer pet training tips.
Last year's March for the Animals raised $429,000 for homeless pets. Since the first March in 1995, more than $4.7 million has been raised.
The event will take place rain or shine.
The MD SPCA is still seeking event sponsors and vendors for the March. For more information regarding the event, please contact Tami Gosheff at 410-235-8826, ext. 138*or visit www.marchfortheanimals.org. *
