FLAGSTAFF — Cancer Support Community Northern Arizona will host a fun day of dog-centered events at its annual PAWS-4-HOPE fundraiser on Saturday, May 4, at Bushmaster Park in Flagstaff.
Money raised by the event, which will include three dog walking parades, two fun runs, fabulous raffle prizes, and various contests, will help fund the organization’s always free programs to support northern Arizona families living with cancer.
In addition to raising funds for programs that range from support groups to healthy lifestyles workshops to cancer preventative education to a wig salon for patients who have suffered hair loss due to treatment, the event is also a celebration of the therapeutic value of dogs in our lives, said Cindy Payne, Executive Director of Cancer Support Community NAZ.
“There are studies that show that even small interactions with dogs cause the human brain to produce oxytocin, the “cuddle chemical” that increases feelings of trust and empathy while reducing stress and anxiety,” said Payne. “Who couldn’t use more of that?”
Participants will meet at the east end of Bushmaster Park near Lockett and Swiss at the Community Ramada between 9:00-9:30 am and events take place through 1:00 pm. At 9:30 am, a one-mile Jog-a-Dog Fun Run around the park will take place, followed by parades for costumed dogs, senior dogs, and puppies, a three-mile Fun Run and dog contests with fun categories like best costume, most talented and the always popular owner/dog lookalike contest.
Additionally, every family who registers for the event at $30 per dog receives a free digital professional portrait with their dog, a freshly baked organic dog treat and a doggie bandana. Photos take place from 10 am – noon with local photographer Motion Olson and additional bags of dog treats are available for $5. A dog training class, a human Zumba class and foundations movement class, and dog reiki take place at this fun-packed event. Raffle tickets sell for $5 each and the drawings take place at 1:00 pm for the fabulous raffle prizes donated from local businesses.
Cancer Support Community NAZ is encouraging participants to register in advance at https://Paws4Hope2024.givesmart.com
About Cancer Support Community Northern Arizona: For 25 years, Cancer Support Community Arizona has provided a comprehensive program of social and emotional support to people diagnosed with cancer and their loved ones. In 2020, the statewide organization opened its headquarters in Flagstaff to provide emotional support services, healthy lifestyle activities, educational seminars, social connections, and resources and referral for those facing cancer in northern Arizona. Cancer Support Community Arizona’s mission is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.