13 Sep “It’s Raining Danes” at Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue’s 3rd Annual DaneToberfest Festival
By Katie King- katie@ewbullock.com
“Until There Are None, Rescue One” Saturday, October 6,2018
September 13, 2018 –Pensacola Beach, Fl—The Gentle Giants of Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue (NWFLGDR) are back to take over Seville Square in downtown Pensacola on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the third annual DaneToberfest celebration and fundraising event.
This year’s festival theme is “It’s Raining Danes.” Around two dozen adoptable Great Danes of all ages and colors will be on site to greet festivalgoers — and happily receive treats and affection in return (hint hint).
“This year’s festival theme is fitting. Since the start of the New Year we’ve taken in 108 Great Danes. That’s a staggering number of Great Danes in need, locally and regionally,” said Michelle Cramer, president of the rescue. “We can’t rescue our way out of overpopulation. So we hope this event not only raises funds for the rescue, but also promotes awareness of the importance of spaying/neutering and adoption.”
This year’s event will feature more than a dozen vendors selling arts and crafts – everything from handmade crafts to pet products to scented-candles and soaps. In addition, there will be three food vendors on site: Hip Pocket Deli Food Truck, Lone Star Kitchens 2 Go, and Kona Ice.
NWFLGDR will be raffling off three major prizes for $5 a ticket or six tickets for $20:
- 4 – Southwest Airlines One-Way Tickets (can be combined)
- 4 – SeaWorld Orlando tickets
- 4 – SeaWorld Orlando Aquatica Waterpark tickets
- 2 – Busch Gardens tickets
In addition to the major prizes, more than 50 other items will be raffled off throughout the day – including custom artwork, gift baskets, gift cards and collectibles.The goal for this event is to bring attention to the many incredible Danes currently available for adoption within the rescue; to emphasize the importance of spaying and neutering pets; to increase awareness about the benefits of adopting and fostering in your community; and to help raise $8,000 for the rescue to be used for veterinary expenses, medical supplies, food and general care expenses.
NWFLGDR relies entirely on public donations to exist. The rescue spends anywhere between $300 to $1,000, and occasionally much more, to care for each Great Dane it takes in. That includes medical treatments, food, preventatives and medication, microchip and spay/neuter surgery, but does not take into account the amount of personal time and energy it takes every foster to nurse each Dane back to health and acclimate it to a caring environment.“The cost of vetting more than 100 Great Danes this year has been significant,” said Tom Andrews, treasurer of the rescue. “So we can’t stress enough just how much every donated dollar helps. And any help is very much appreciated.”NWFLGDR hopes DaneToberfest will become a long-standing annual event in the Pensacola community where the public can come out and support the rescue’s cause and where prospective dog owners or prospective fosters can meet and learn more about the breed and dane ownership in general.
“We wouldn’t be here without the continued support from our community. So come out to the event, eat some great food, buy some raffles tickets, shop around, and let one of our gentle giants give you a slobbery welcome in person,” said Cramer. “Who knows? You just may meet your new best friend!”DaneToberfest 2018 is a DOG-FRIENDLY event. That’s right, bring Fido along! We just ask that all dogs be well behaved and up-to-date on vaccinations. No retractable leashes, please.# #About Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue
Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue was founded in Pensacola, Fla., and became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in 2008. NWFLGDR serves a large coverage area — from Jacksonville, Fla., westward along the I-10 corridor through southern Georgia and along the Gulf Coast of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and into New Orleans, Louisiana. All Danes are brought current on vaccinations, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and heartworm tested prior to adoption.For more information about Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue or DaneTobefest, message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NWFLGDR or email NWFLGDR@gmail.com.
No Comments