Alexandria, VA – Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats (PDDT), the local nonprofit that provides meaningful paid employment to adults with disabilities, is hard at work preparing for its second annual fundraiser, Paws & Pours, its primary fundraiser. The event takes place on Sunday, June 8, from 2 to 5 p.m. in the pavilion at Fort Hunt Park (8999 Fort Hunt Rd.).
After tallying up the money raised last year’s inaugural Paws & Pours fundraiser, PDDT nearly doubled its fundraising goal. While thrilled with the outcome, the team also felt a great responsibility to spend those hard-earned funds in the best possible way.
Hiring a new team member was at the top of the list. They also brought on someone to support Community Outreach and Marketing, and expand the Operations Manager role.
Funds raised from last year’s Paws & Pours also helped grow PDDT’s Employee Wellness Initiative. The results of this initiative impact team members on a daily basis, allowing them to focus on themselves and ensure they are taking care of both their mind and body. Weekly yoga, music therapy, and nutrition and movement sessions add depth and learning.
For 2025, some of the goals set forth by the Board of Directors include continuing to grow their team. More adults with disabilities will have the chance to perform meaningful, paid work, as well as the chance to belong, contribute, and thrive. Other goals are to hire more volunteers and continue to grow their Wellness Initiatives.
“Making and selling our all-natural ginger dog treats is what we do, but providing employment opportunities for adults with disabilities, who might not otherwise have the chance to earn a paycheck, receive job training and life skills, and be a part of an inclusive team, is why we do it,” Executive Director Anne Tuccillo explained.
Thee team would love to have a professional kitchen of their own, to bake, create, learn, grow, be challenged, and succeed. PDDT is forever grateful to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for donating the space where they currently work.
Having their own kitchen and offices is a dream for now, but PDDT knows they can achieve it.
The business is looking forward to the upcoming event to celebrate not only their employees, but how they represent the importance of inclusion – in the workplace and all other aspects ofaspects of life.
“On behalf of the whole Pawfectly Delicious team, we hope [everyone] will join us,” Truccillo said, advising people to bring their dogs along. “We are grateful for The Zebra, our community sponsor, for helping to promote not only our event but also our organization’s mission and awareness for acceptance and inclusion in our community.”
If you are interested in sponsoring Paws & Pours, or donating to the event’s Silent Auction, or volunteering with the organization, please email [email protected]. If you are interested in buying tickets to Paws & Pours, visit pawfectlydelicious.org/ and click on the event link.
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