HART schedules walkathon

The fifth annual Pet and People Walk-a-thon, an event for Heartland Animal Rescue Team, will be Saturday, May 5, in celebration of Be Kind to Animals Week.

The benefit walk is an outing for pets and people to demonstrate their concern for unwanted and homeless animals and to raise funds for their care. The funds help to provide animal care at the HART animal shelter. Last year walkers raise more than $7,000, which was the most ever raised.

The hike will travel through the Northland Arboretum. Participants can choose the 4.2-mile trail or a shorter loop. The first 50 pledges totaling $50 or more will receive a free walk-a-thon T-shirt. Additional T-shirts will be available for sale until the supply is gone.

Prizes will be awarded for the most money raised, the oldest walker, the walker from the farthest distance and other surprise categories. The team that raises the most money will receive a plaque.

The day of the walk, participants will receive free doughnuts, juice and coffee at the registration area. Water for people and pets will be available at the beginning, midpoint and the end of the walk.

For those who cannot or do not want to walk, volunteers can still help by collecting pledges or by volunteering to work at the event.

The HART office has pledge sheets available. Pledges should be returned to HART by May 1 by participants who do not plan to walk in the event. Those who participate can bring the pledge sheets the day of the walk.

Corporate sponsors are Lakewood Banks, Nisswa Tax Service, Avionics of Minnesota Inc., Lakeland Veterinary Hospital and Walker Animal Hospital. Event sponsors are Care Veterinary Clinic, Brainerd Animal Hospital, Nisswa Dock, Norlake Dock Service, Staples Veterinary Clinic, Rainbow Healing Center, Attorney Bobbie Sarff, Signcrafters, Irma Cragun and Pampered Pet Place.

For more information, call HART at 829-4141.