Alexandria, VA – Over 1,000 dogs and their humans attended the bash at Oronoco Park in Old Town on Saturday, April 20, to go the distance to build community, have fun, and learn more about plastic-free and sustainable living. “100% net funds raised support our mission,” says Julie Chapman, founder and principal organizer of the annual event.
Now in its third year, the ALX Dog Walk consists of a genuine “pawty” in the park, along with a brief two-mile group walk, and it raised over $45,000 this year. A portion of the funds being donated include $5,000 to the Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail, $2,000 to the Potomac Conservancy, $1,000 to the Plastic Pollution Coalition. “We still are in the process of determining other nonprofit gifts,” Chapman added.
The event included a fun dog contest on the main stage surrounded by over 60 organizations represented by tents, sustainable (no plastic) giveaways, and staff showing off unique displays in the Sustainability Festival and Nonprofit Village, while familiar tunes played on the speakers situatd around the park.
“I can’t thank everybody enough, especially all our volunteers and board members that helped make the day a success,’ Chapman told Zebra. “I’m also grateful to emcee Chuck Bell, meteorologist at NBC4, for being with us again for the third year, and bringing the sun and good weather. Not to mention Charlotte Hall, who helped us navigate the process to add historic Union Street to the walk route. That plus the waterfront, the sun, and all these participants and pups made it the perfect walk this year!”
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