Corgi Aid <http://www.corgiaid.org> started the year with some very exciting news. It was nominated and has been chosen to receive a Pedigree Award for Best Breed-Specific Rescue Fund Raising. The award will be given at a banquet during Westminister festivities.
Pedigree contacted Vicki Neff, President and Grants Review Chair of CorgiAid wanting to film Corgi Aid in action. As most of Corgi Aid in action is Vicki approving grants and okaying the treasurer to cut a check; the on line auction; individuals setting up booths at dog event days, passing out information and raising money; individuals wrapping presents at local stores during the holidays for Corgi Aid; there isn't a lot of "action" to see sometimes. The one time there is "action" are at the various corgi picnics held around the country where corgi owners gather together, celebrate their love of corgis and enjoy the company of other corgi owners while raising money for Corgi Aid. So, on two weeks notice, Wayne and Susie Noel have graciously volunteered to host the first ever Polar Bear Picnic to be held in Kingsport, TN on January 27th, 2008 with proceeds going to support Corgi Aid and everyone is invited.
A Yahoo list has been set up for the picnic:
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/polarbearpicnic/
Location will be where the May picnic is annually held, Borden Park - shelter #1
Time will be: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Lunch will be pizza, as usual and the RC and Moonpie reception will be held at the park later in the afternoon.
Lodging: Karen Hargrove spoke
to Mr. Patel at our Kingsport Days Inn today, and he said he would
accept dogs for our event. Please bring crates and clean up after
your dogs. You should call the motel directly for current rates and
to make your arrangements. We also have a LaQuinta that welcomes
pets. And our picnic guests love Rocky Top Campground. Information
will be on the picnic website. Please make your own arrangements and
make it clear that you are bringing corgis wherever you stay.
Traveling: Our very closest airport is Tri-Cities at Blountville, TN. We also
have picnic goers who fly into Knoxville, TN and drive up to Kingsport
(about 2 hours away) if they can get a better deal.
Weather: So far this January, high temperatures this month have ranged from a
record-breaking 70 degrees to the teens. We will just put the weather
in The Boss's hands!
There will be games, contests, a Blessing of the Animals, good people and great dogs to spend time with. A commemorative type t-shirt is in the works and in addition to the on site silent auction, there are also plans for an online auction for the event. So even if you can't attend in person, you can still attend in spirit and support.
City park rules are NO ALCOHOL and DOGS MUST BE ON LEASH AND THE LEASH
MUST BE IN YOUR HAND, just so everyone knows these things ahead of time.
Some questions that have been raised:
>> I'm so excited about Corgi Aid getting noticed by Pedigree! What is
>> this being filmed for exactly?
Answer from Vicki Neff:
The primary reason it is being filmed is for promotion for Pedigree.
I believe they will show a loop of film in their booth as they visit
dog shows over the next year, and will have films of the various
honorees on their website.
It seems possible to me that snipets of film might be shown in one
of the "human interest" segments they show during Westminster. I
believe that it is entirely possible that our picnic might be on tv
during Westminster.
No promises, and no one has told me it might, this is all my speculation,
but.................... :-)
---------------------------------
For all who have donated items to picnics and the big online auctions, attended the picnics, won auction items, sent in donations and supported Corgi Aid over the years, this award honors those contributions. From those of us in the rescue community, I will say thank you. Regardless of or organization affiliation in rescue work, Corgi Aid is always there for us to assist when our coffers might be low. To date, Corgi Aid has never had to refuse assisting with veterinary care for a rescue of either breed of corgi and the support from you is the reason they can say yes.
Vicki has shared that the people from Pedigree are amazed at the response of support the picnic has received already; in many ways this day and award is a celebration and honoring of our breed(s) and the commitment we as their owners and people have to them.
As more details develop, I will pass them along
Debbie Campbell
PPWCC-Rescue Chair
CWCNRT - Regional Coordinator and Volunteer
Corgi Aid Supporter
Deedles' Corgwn and Orphanage
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