Event garners support for animals

The Monroe County Humane Association hosted its sixth annual Walk for the Animals Sunday -- a chance for animal lovers, and their pets, to support the MCHA by walking a predetermined path around downtown Bloomington. \nThe walk was held to raise funds for the MCHA for use in its many programs throughout the year. \nVolunteers sat at tables around the center of Third Street Park, hoping to raise money by collecting donations and selling T-shirts. In past years, the walk has earned the MCHA about $10,000.\nFunds raised Sunday will go toward programs such as Humane Association efforts, spay/neuter aide and animal education of the community.\nThis year, two fifth-grade classes from Binford Elementary donated their time and efforts in raising funds by sitting outside of Kroger in Jackson Creek Shopping Center. The group raised $524.70 in three days.\n"(Walk for the Animals) is so insignificant to everything else that's going on . . . but it's been a good way for (the kids) to take their minds off of some of the other worries," said Heather Weatherbee, an instructor at Binford Elementary who helped the classes raise the funds.\nWalk for the Animals had a new event, plus some of the old favorites, this year. Doggie Dash, where owners let their dog out in a fenced-in area with obstacles, was a new event. Owners stood at the other end with a treat, cheering their pet on to finish quickly. \nCarried through from past years were the picture contest, animal talent show and the biscuit walk.\n"This event is the most fun of any event for animal lovers all year," said Kathy Obrakta, volunteer programs director for the event.\nThere was a strong turnout, and the students who raised money, as well as volunteers and guests, had a good time with the animals, event organizers said.\n"It made me feel good because I knew I was helping homeless animals," said Emily Evans, an 11-year-old fifth grader from Binford Elementary.