Story by: Katie Pietzold and Savannah Carter // Video & Images by: Katie Pietzold
Saturday, May 16, 2015
EUGENE, Ore. – The Greenhill Humane Society hosted the 22nd annual Bark in the Park at Alton Baker Park, on Saturday morning, where nearly 1,100 people and over 700 dogs participated.
“It has grown and grown exponentially and we are so excited, we are poised, I think, to have our biggest year ever,” said Sasha Elliott, Communications and Events Manager for Greenhill Humane Society.
Bark in the Park is Greenhill’s largest fundraising event of the year and consists of three walk/run races: a 2K, 5K, and 10K.
For the 3rd year in a row, Ian Dobson and his dog Chap won the 5K men’s division in 17 minutes, 5 seconds. 12-year-old Haley McCutcheon and her dog Analogue won the women’s division in 20:55.
Sam Schmidt and William Hyde ran together as Team Target winning the 10K men’s division in 36:54. Lauren Worth won the women’s division in 43:13.
Before the start of the first race, nearly $50,000 of the $75,000 goal was raised. 100 percent of the donated funds go towards caring for animals at the Greenhill Humane Society and 1st Avenue Shelter.
“As a non-profit organization it’s absolutely essential that we have support from the community, both individuals and businesses,” said Elliott. “Today is really a day that both have come together to support homeless pets in our community.”
Katie Pietzold 