Pets and their people take center stage at Peoples Bank Theatre
Photo by Doug Loyer Miranda Duty and her daughter Macy Kendall show off their dogs in the pet parade Sunday in Marietta.
Photo by Doug Loyer Angie Strosnider’s dog Brecken gives her a high five on stage.
Photo by Doug Loyer Miranda Duty and her daughter Macy Kendall show off their dogs in the pet parade Sunday in Marietta.
Photo by Doug Loyer Angie Strosnider’s dog Brecken gives her a high five on stage.
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MARIETTA -- Ely Chapman held its second annual Stupendous Pet Tricks and Perfectly Precious Pet Parade on Sunday afternoon at the Peoples Bank Theatre in Marietta.
The event was held to raise money for the Ely Chapman Educational Foundation to be used for the youth in this area so they can get the guidance and educational support they need.
"The children need academic help and enrichment and that's what we do," said foundation chair and founder Alice Chapman. "This is a fun way to raise money and this is a great idea because children love pets."
"We're trying raise awareness and raise a little money," said foundation president and Peoples Bank Theatre Executive Director Hunt Brawley.
"We were looking to have a fundraiser for the Ely Chapman Foundation," said Brawley. "We thought this would be good for kids and is entertaining."
Ely Chapman Development Director Gary Williams thought it would be an interesting show. Williams said the event serves two purposes -- to raise money for scholarships and provide good family-oriented entertainment. It benefits scholarships. Every dollar made goes to provide scholarships for pre-school, after school programs and camps.
The Ely Chapman Educational Foundation is an independent organization that is not affiliated with any national or state youth group. The organization provides academically oriented, hands-on learning and mentoring to Ohio Valley youth. It has been focused on enriching the lives of area youth since 1999, organizers said.
All types of pets were accepted but had to be under strict control by their owners at Sunday's event. Participants were encouraged to create costumes that coordinate the pet and owner. The family-friendly event featured a pet trick competition, dog agility performances and a pet parade
"I love this. It's great whenever everyone can bring awareness and everyone can share their love of animals," said Missy Antill of the Pampered Pets Petting Farm in Beverly. "This helps out the Ely Chapman Educational Foundation."
Antill brought Sassy, a 4-week-old pig, Bell, an 8-week-old sheep, and Buddy, a 7-week-old goat.
The Humane Society of the Ohio Valley in Marietta was also present with shelter dogs and cats and had information on how to adopt a pet.
Miranda Duty and her daughter Macy Kendall, both of Marietta, brought two dogs for the parade, Zeus, a 4-year-old Great Dane, and Spade, an 11-week-old Mini Sheltie Aussie mix with Pomeranian. Zeus was dressed with a LaBron jersey and Spade was dressed as a shark. The dogs are extreme opposites as far as size.
"We always had large dogs and my daughter always wanted a small dog so when we lost our oldest dog, we would get a small dog," said Duty. "They get along great. I love this event. It's good to get their animals out."
Ely Chapman Educational Foundation is always looking for more sponsors and volunteers. For more information, visit ElyChapman.org.