(HolliBell volunteers supporting the June Doggie Walk-a-Thon at Sunset Farms in Stittsville. Photo: Hollibell)
Created in the fall of 2018 with its mission to continuously help raise funds for animals in need, HolliBell Foundation is celebrating its First Year Anniversary with a Doggie Walk-a-Thon on Sunday, October 19, 2019. Brush off those doggie costumes (owners too) — this anniversary walk will be Halloween themed and takes place at Sunset Farms at 6559 Hazeldean Road where dogs will be taking over the horse trails.
Caroline Hollingworth and Heidi Bell are the inspiration behind HolliBell. Heidi created Cupcakes for a Cause, an annual event that has taken place every February since 2014. Caroline joined in 2015 adding her cupcake skills to the mix. Through 2018, the cupcake fundraiser had raised over $24,000, all of which has been donated to support local rescues. With a love of animals, Heidi and Caroline decided to “expand their efforts to raise more money each year to help those in need”. That is how HolliBell Foundation came to be with a mission that respects three key areas of action:
- Helping to provide affordable spay and neuter clinics,
- Providing some financial assistance to families in times of need,
- Emergency and general funding for rescues.
Through events such as the ever growing Cupcakes for a Cause and new events like the Doggie Walk-A-Thons, an upcoming 2020 calendar, online auctions, food drives, raffles and so much more, HolliBell has been able to donate over $22,000 so far! Caroline and Heidi “hope to continue to expand our efforts, set new fundraising goals and help more animals in need”.
The October 19 walk-a-thon is the second that HolliBell will have held at Sunset Farms this year, the first being in June. It is an ideal setting for such an event as you walk the scenic horse trails and embrace the beautiful fall colours — while raising money for animals without a voice.
The walk-a-thon takes place from 12:00-3:00 pm and features a judged costume class for the dogs and owners with ribbons — sponsored by “Willie and Lucy” the resident cat and dog at Sunset Farms owned by Grits Anglin. There will be a BBQ, live music, raffle, $5 grab bags, nail trims, face painting and so much more.
With each dog registration ($20/dog) – each participant will receive a medal, waste bag from Earth Rated, a dog treat, free photo and surprise gift. For the Love of Paws (an Ottawa dog rescue) will be joining us. You can also make a welcomed $10 PAW donation in memory of your pets or if you are unable to attend. You can register at: https://www.hollibellfoundation.com/events.
An introductory 2020 calendar featuring many of the rescues and groups that HolliBell have supported, and those who have supported HolliBell, in their first year will be available for a $20 donation.
Caroline and Heidi commented, “we thank all the supporters that have made our first year as the HolliBell Foundation an amazing success and we hope to continue to connect with individuals and businesses that want to help us grow”.
We hope to see you there!
