Your Miles Made a Difference
Sep 14, 2021
We rallied team members, raised funds, and counted down the days. This past Saturday, the 21st Annual PAWS Chicago 5K finally happened! And it was even more than we hoped for.
As our first post-COVID 5K, there was an extra-special feeling of excitement and anticipation as thousands of frisky feet and paws assembled at the Montrose Harbor starting line for Chicago’s largest dog-friendly charity event.
To keep everyone safe and prevent crowding, the course was open from 7:30–10:30 a.m. and it was a constant flurry of pitter-patter, chitter-chatter, and happy woofs as old and new friends came together for an amazing cause.
While other races are all business, this was a straight-up party. A sea of blue PAWS shirts trailed along the 3.1-mile course. But upon closer inspection, everyone stood out as an individual. From full families wearing matching bandanas to elderly pups relaxing in strollers, we saw all flavors of people and pets.
The “race” served as a perfect warm-up for a lively afterparty emceed by FOX 32’s Jake Hamilton. In addition to general and thorough carousing fueled by the music of DJ D Jones, people and their pets enjoyed a live 50/50 raffle with PAWS and lucky winner Peter Brown splitting a pot of $2,490! Peter Brown plans to donate his half back to PAWS, which is truly inspiring. Runner-up Peter Zlotnicki also took home a top-of-the-line Nexgrill Griddle Grill.
A dog agility course donated by Tucker Pups Pet Resort gave our canine guests the chance to show off their impressive training. Or just take a shot at it and give up mid pipe-tunnel. Either way, it was a blast to see these pups having the time of their lives together. They didn’t realize they were helping raise funds for homeless pets, we couldn’t have done it without them!
Fundraisers were invited to enjoy VIP treatment in our Hero Hangout, including a PAWS 5K Treat Bag filled with everything from frisbees to wine tasting vouchers to Chicago Red Star tickets. But the real fun was just hanging out with like-minded animal-lovers and their amazing animals.
“It was so wonderful to be back in person with our dedicated sponsors, supporters, and volunteers! It felt like one big family reunion, and we are so appreciative for everyone who has continued to support the PAWS 5K in a very interesting year!” said Carrie Cihasky, Senior Manager of Events and Community Engagement at PAWS.
Huge thanks to the 4,200 people and 2,100 pups who attended the 21st Annual PAWS Chicago 5K! Your participation helps save the lives of thousands of homeless pets every year.
The event may be over, but our fundraising continues! PAWS 5K pages will be live and accepting donations through December 31, 2021. Plus, participants still have until October 31 to earn our fundraising prizes.
A special shout-out to the winners of our Top Fundraiser competition:
Top Individual Fundraisers
- Elly Greenspahn
- Katie Sershon
- Erica Kazimir
Top Family/Friends Teams
- Team #NachoCat
- Foster4FureverHomes
- Petrie's Pups
Top Community Teams
- Yale Chicago
- Real Dog and Cat Momms of Chicago
- BCR West
Top Corporate Teams
- West Loop Vet
- ComEd
- TopBloc TopDog