SCRANTON, Pa. — An annual fundraising event happening this weekend in Scranton will benefit seven local, mostly foster-based animal rescues.
"It's not a competition. We all want the same thing. We all want animals to find homes. We all want to improve the lives of animals in the Scranton area," said volunteer Katrina Organ, St. Cat and Dogs of Nay Aug Zoo.
So this weekend, seven animal rescues are coming together for the 4th annual Paws in the Park event at Nay Aug Park in Scranton. St. Cats and Dogs of Nay Aug Zoo is celebrating its 10th year since the city gave the non-profit the building. To give back, the founder and president of St. Cats, Joanne Davis, came up with this idea four years ago.
"We are one of the few rescues in the area that has a building. [Davis] always knew that one day when we were established, she wanted to invite other rescues and use that as a resource," Organ explained.
Not only does St. Cats have a building, but a whole park surrounds it. So on Saturday, the street will be closed to traffic, and event organizers will turn Nay Aug Park into Paws in the Park.
"It started like six tables with each rescue with a couple of animals selling a couple of t-shirts, maybe cookies. We've come a long way," said Organ.
There will be food, an ice cream truck, the Dunkin' Iced Coffee truck, tons of raffle baskets, and tons of paws.
"And it has now evolved into a celebration and a fun family day out is what we want it to be for people, so of course, if you are looking to adopt a cat or dog, come visit us," Organ said.
There will be plenty to choose from, including cats from St. Cats, of course, and other adoptables from the mostly foster-based rescues Animal Care Associates, Friends with Paws Pet Rescue, Kitties of NEPA Pet Rescue, TT's Rescue Squad, Friends for Rescues NEPA, and Scranton Animal Association. At the end of the event, all seven rescues will split up what they raised evenly.
"But even if you're not, and you just want to support animal welfare in the Scranton/Northeast PA area, this is a great event to bring your kids to or to just come out and enjoy the park," said Organ.
Paws in the Park is this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Nay Aug Park in Scranton. The rain date is Saturday, September 21. Organizers will make the final call for that on Friday.