Your favorite animal could be their first mascot
The HTNP.com Editor's dog Luther interrupts the morning's work with a "song." Luther is a rescue. He was dumped at the dog pound, twice. Photo © 2010 by Brenda Sullivan.
Middlesex County Community Foundation announces the 2010-2011 Mascot Contest.
Dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses – even Llamas and ferrets – any one of hundreds of companions could be the first annual mascot of the Middlesex County Community Foundation’s ARF! Animals: Respect and Friendship” Fund.
MCCF is accepting story submissions from Middlesex County residents* from now through Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010.
Animals play so many roles in our lives
In 2008, a Middlesex County family of animal lovers established an endowed, community-based fund dedicated to helping animals and their human friends in Middlesex County.
This family believes that we all have a strong responsibility and obligation to preserve the basic dignity that comes with sharing the world with all living creatures.
They also believe that pets, in particular, provide unqualified love, true companionship and in some cases, essential services to the disabled, elderly and those in need.
ARF! Animals: Respect and Friendship” Fund aids local nonprofit organizations that care for animals and funds such things as:
shelter and comfort
training animals and people for shared gifts of companionship therapy and assistance
rescue, protection and adoption
prevention of cruelty
and services to the disabled
The first mascot!
MCCF is searching for that special pet to focus attention on the efforts of a fund designed to support organizations doing great work in the area of animal welfare and care.
“Animals play a vital role in our quality of life and well-being. There are so many stories just waiting to be told about the love and companionship our pets provide,” said President and CEO of Middlesex County Community Foundation Cynthia Clegg.
“An annual mascot for the ARF! fund will bring those stories to the forefront and emphasize how animals help us all,” she said.
HTNP.com Editor's cockatiel Koko - rescued from a dumpster. Photo © 2010 by Brenda Sullivan.
The winner of the ARF! contest will be featured in Community Foundation newsletters, brochures, the annual report, the web site and other informational venues.
The mascot will also be featured in “ARF!” notes about educational events and programs, featured stories, animal-related tips and other items throughout the year.
A group of volunteer judges will review and vote on the submissions.
The winner of the “ARF! Mascot Contest” will be announced at a special event on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010 at the Centerbrook Meeting House in Essex, CT.
Special guest
Special guest William Berloni (William Berloni’s Theatrical Animals), a widely recognized expert in animal behavior, dedicated advocate of rescue work, and well-known animal trainer for stage and screen, will announce the winner of the contest and speak on the topic of animal welfare and companionship.
He and his handlers have provided animals of all species and sizes for Broadway, off Broadway, national tours, regional theaters, special events, the New York City Ballet, movies and television.
He is the author of three books, the most recent, Broadway Tails, is published by Globe Pequot Press.
Mr. Berloni is currently the Director of Animal Behavior for the Humane Society of New York and is involved in helping animals that need homes. (You can visit his Website at www.theatricalanimals.com)
Other prizes
Prizes will be given in other categories as well, including:
- “Top Dog”
- “Purrfect Feline”
- “Largest Companion (Pet)”
- and “Oldest Friend”
Stories should be no longer than one page in length and may be accompanied by up to two photographs.
Submissions can be e-mailed to Info@MiddlesexCountyCF.org or mailed to Middlesex County Community Foundation, 211 South Main St., Middletown, CT 06457.
When you send submissions you give permission for your story and photo to be used by MCCF in newsletters, e-news updates, reports, web site pages and other marketing and public relations venues.
Further details about contest requirements and submissions may be found at www.MiddlesexCountyCF.org, e-mailing questions to Info@MiddlesexCountyCF.org, or calling 860.347.0025.
*Middlesex County Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization serving the towns of Centerbrook, Chester, Clinton, Cobalt, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Haddam Neck, Higganum, Ivoryton, Killingworth, Middle Haddam, Middlefield, Middletown, Moodus, Old Saybrook, Portland, Rockfall, Westbrook and Winthrop. It is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Middlesex County. Its two-fold mission is: (1) to work with charitably-minded individuals and organizations to build permanent endowments and other charitable funds; and (2) to support local nonprofit organizations through effective grant making and multiple programs to address community needs. Since its founding in 1997, the Community Foundation has provided more than $1.5 million in grants to more than 200 organizations for the arts, cultural and heritage programs, educational activities, environmental improvements, and for health and human services.
We welcome conversations with good people who want to do great things. For more information, contact us at 347-0025 or info@MiddlesexCountyCF.org
Posted July 25, 2010
Leave a Comment