Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats Is Cooking Up a Busy Spring
Employees benefit from expanded wellness initiatives with job and skills training
Alexandria, VA – They say every dog has its day. The same could be said for Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats (PDDT) this spring. The local nonprofit that offers meaningful employment to persons with developmental and physical disabilities is honored to be the chosen beneficiary of this year’s Del Ray Dog Fest on Sunday, April 6.
In addition, PDDT is a participating organization and one of the lead walking groups in the ALX Dog Walk on Saturday, April 5, and a vendor at the AHS Spring Garden Market on Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13.
PDDT is also planning its second annual fundraiser, Paws & Pours, on Sunday, June 8, in the pavilion at Fort Hunt Park. Whew!
Employee Wellness Initiatives
In addition to the business of baking, packaging, and selling delicious dog treats, PDDT has expanded wellness initiatives for its employees. The organization incorporates a variety of sessions on music therapy, yoga, nutrition and movement, and workplace skills training into each workday to further support the personal growth and mental health of its employees.
As Executive Director Anne Tuccillo explained, “The activities are adapted to meet the employees where they are. Many of the topics we cover, like music and nutrition, can then be used or followed in the employees’ personal lives, fostering empowerment and growth around healthy lifestyles.”
During a recent session, the team watched a CBS News “On the Road” segment featuring a teenager born without legs. Undaunted, this teen tried out for his middle school basketball team. Not only did he make the team, he is excelling on the court.
After the segment, PDDT employees and volunteers took turns describing a personally tough challenge and explained how they found the confidence to persevere and make themselves proud. Answers ranged from learning new skills at work to overcoming personal or physical health challenges to starting a new job and joining a new team.
Paws & Pours, Sunday, June 8, 2-5 pm at Fort Hunt Park
Mark your calendars for the second annual Paws & Pours on Sunday, June 8. This primary fundraiser for PDDT is an afternoon full of fun, food and drinks, live music, dog activities, and a fantastic silent auction. Most importantly, your participation supports the mission to provide meaningful employment for adults with disabilities. The Zebra Press is proud to be a community sponsor for this special event.
If you are interested in becoming a Paws & Pours sponsor, donating items to the silent auction, or volunteering to support the event, please email [email protected]. More details and ticket information to come soon.
Join the team!
By purchasing Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats or making a donation, you’re supporting this organization’s mission to offer fulfilling, paid work and job training to persons with disabilities. Now in its eighth year, PDDT remains focused on its future. In addition to the expanded wellness initiatives, plans for 2025 include hiring more employees and growing the volunteer base; adding more retail, online, and fundraising opportunities for increased sales; and developing systems to measure the impact of these initiatives for data-driven improvements.
That’s a full plate for this busy spring and beyond. Tuccillo summed it up: “We hope to enrich the lives of our team members, serve as a role model for other organizations, and strengthen our ties with the community.” To learn more about this hard-working Alexandria nonprofit, please visit their website: pawfectlydelicious.org.
ICYMI: Improve Your Bond With Your Dog at Alexandria Animal Academy
