Introduction to the Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon
The sun was shining brightly on Del Mar Dog Beach in California on Sunday, September 7, for the 20th Annual Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon. This unique event is a great opportunity for friends, families, and four-legged friends to come together to raise life-saving funds for the Helen Woodward Animal Center. The event is one of the most exciting, entertaining, and energetic charity events on the calendar, and it stands out for being one of the few where 100% of all donations go directly to supporting the animal shelter.
The Competition
There were plenty of opportunities to shine, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in five weight classes, with the first place winners progressing to compete for the prestigious ‘Best in Surf’. The competition was fierce, but the real winner was the Helen Woodward Animal Center, which received all the donations from the event. The Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon also featured a freestyle event, with points awarded for creativity. Dogs could surf on the same board as their friends or their favorite human. Tandem rides, tricks, and costumes were all on show to catch the judge’s eye.
Fun Activities for All
The event was not just about the competition; it was also a fun day out for all the family. There were live beach tunes, a crowd-pleasing Canine Costume Contest, a special Kid’s Activity area with crafts and games, the BARKet Place featuring a variety of pet-focused exhibitor booths, a free agility course sponsored by San Diego Pet Training, and the exciting awards ceremony. With so much energy and excitement, it would be easy to forget that this was all for a good cause.
The Helen Woodward Animal Center
History of the Center
The San Diego animal shelter was founded by Helen Whittier Woodward as part of her mission to make the world a better place for people and animals. In 1972, she and a group of friends envisioned a facility that would encompass comprehensive animal care and public education programs. Through her support and leadership, the facility has grown into one of the area’s most highly regarded animal and human service programs. Unfortunately, many of the structures that house Helen Woodward Animal Center today were not built until after Helen’s death in 1983 at the age of 79, so she was not able to see her final dream realized. The Center was renamed in 1986 to honor her memory.
Getting Involved
To find out more, get involved, or make a donation, go to animalcenter.org, and be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s event. The Helen Woodward Animal Center relies on donations and support from the community to continue its vital work. By getting involved or making a donation, you can help make a difference in the lives of animals in need.
Conclusion
The 20th Annual Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon was a huge success, raising vital funds for the Helen Woodward Animal Center. The event was a fun day out for all the family, with a range of activities and competitions to enjoy. The Surf Dog Surf-a-Thon is a unique and exciting event that brings the community together to support a great cause. We look forward to next year’s event and encourage everyone to get involved and support the Helen Woodward Animal Center.