THE FAST AND THE FURRIEST 5K COMING UP APRIL 7, KICK OFF PARTY MARCH 2

Fundraiser to Support No-Kill Shelter, Help Thousands of Animals in Southwest Florida
FORT MYERS, FL – Feb. 22, 2018 – One of Gulf Coast Humane Society’s biggest fundraising events of the year, “The Fast and the Furriest” is gaining some big momentum after a record-setting race last year.
The 5K Run/1-Mile Walk fundraiser held at CenturyLink Sports Complex (formerly Hammond Stadium), Saturday, April 7, is on pace for another big day, with plenty of festivities planned.
“We had more than 400 participants last year, which was an all-time high in the seven years we’ve had ‘The Fast and the Furriest,'” said GCHS Executive Director Jennifer Galloway. “This event is so fun for the family and their pets since they get to run or walk with their dogs if they so choose to. The planning committee has been working hard spreading the word about the event and we are hoping to eclipse last year’s number of participants.”
The run/walk event is dog-friendly, and many participants do bring their furry friends along for the jaunt.
“The Fast and the Furriest” is also an excellent event for sponsors and vendors to jump aboard. Each sponsor/vendor gets an opportunity to display their services/product to a growing pet and health demographic. Sponsors will receive recognition on GCHS’ website and social media.
“Most of all, though, they will get the satisfaction of knowing they played an important role in aiding all the GCHS’ shelter animals, which ultimately all the proceeds will end up going to,” said Fast and the Furriest committee chairperson Jill McKee.
Even non-runners/walkers can lend a big helping hand through “The Fast and the Furriest” by starting their own fundraiser. It’s very simple to start one, simply by logging into https://www.crowdrise.com/fastandfurriest2018 to set up your personal fundraiser. Let friends and family know you are raising money for GCHS and its shelter animals through various social media and word of mouth.
“It’s a great way to get involved, even if you can’t attend the event April 7,” McKee added.
To help promote starting your own fundraiser, GCHS will be hosting a Kick-Off Party Friday, March 2, from 6-8 p.m., at the shelter’s campus, located at 2010 Arcadia Street in Fort Myers. Snacks and refreshments will be served, as well as a quick how-to by GCHS events coordinator Paul Howell on how to start your own fundraiser.
This year for the first time, the first 500 5K runners and 1-Mile walkers will earn a Finisher Medal, with the top fundraiser receiving a trophy and traditional age group medals will be awarded to top chipped runners, and to the Fastest Dogs in 3 weight categories. Other awards will be for the Triple Crown Award Winners, as well.
“Come out for one of the best dog-friendly events around, while leaving knowing you helped the many shelter animals at GCHS,” Galloway said.
To register or become a vendor or sponsor, go to http://www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org/the-fast–the-furriest.html or email Howell at [email protected].
About GCHS: 
Gulf Coast Humane Society is a regional no-kill organization dedicated to helping companion pets find their forever homes, no matter how long it takes. GCHS provides an adoption center, spay-neuter and veterinary clinic, as well as education and awareness to the public about the welfare of homeless pets.
GCHS’ mission is to care for companion pets in need by offering safe refuge, providing medical care and facilitating adoptions. GCHS promotes the concept the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” and help educate the community about proper and responsible animal care, while providing quality, affordable veterinary care.
GCHS Veterinary Clinic: 2685 Swamp Cabbage Court, Fort Myers, 33901; Phone: 239-332-2719
GCHS Spay/Neuter Clinic: 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, 33916; Phone: 239-332-1573
GCHS Adoption Center: 2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, 33916; Phone: 239-332-0364