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K9's for Kids Dogs & Their Humans 5K Walk to Benefit Children in Foster Care in NJ

Walking to raise funds to help children in foster care in New Jersey can also be "doggone" fun!  That's why Foster and Adoptive Family Services Foundation has decided to make their central New Jersey charity 5K walk a light-hearted pet-themed event with fun activities for all, including a pet vendor marketplace, pet parade, and award ceremony.  On Sunday, September 8, 2013, bring your loved ones, furry and otherwise, to the K9's for Kids 5K Dogs and Their Humans Walk, which will kick off at Beech Woods Park on 137 Beekman Road in South Brunswick, NJ. 

Registration begins at 12 noon.  The walk begins at 1:30 pm.  There will be fun activities and snacks provided and all registered participants and dogs will receive a free t-shirt and dog ID tag, while supplies last.  The vendor marketplace will be open throughout from 12 noon to 4 pm.  The pet parade and award ceremony will commence at 3 pm.

To register, please visit www.fafsfoundation.org.  Walkers can also set up fundraising teams on the organization website and each walker is encouraged to raise a minimum of $30 to participate.  Don't forget to dress up your pet in their best duds to participate in the parade, and maybe win an award!  Award will also be given to the team leader or individual for most money raised.

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Lisa DeMarco, a Monroe Township resident, East Brunswick business owner, FAFS Foundation board member, and K9’s for Kids event coordinator has strong ties to the cause behind the walk.  In addition to all the other hats she wears, she is also a foster and adoptive parent and loving dog-owner.  Darwin, the family’s large, gray, shaggy Afghan hound, is the center of love and calm in their hectic daily routine.  He is also the

official greeter at their store, The Bird House, on Route 18 in East Brunswick.  “Dogs add so much to the happiness of family life.  I mean, just look, after tragedies and trauma, dogs are used therapeutically to help other people. Like in the Boston Marathon bombings and after 9/11, they were such important parts of the healing process for the victims.  This event means a lot to me and my family because Darwin is such an important part of our lives, and so it is just natural that we can hold an event where our pets are helping kids in need all over New Jersey and we’re showcasing that.” 

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Formed in December 2008, the FAFS Foundation’s mission is to support New Jersey’s

abused and neglected children.  FAFS Foundation provides critical financial support for Foster and Adoptive Family Services (FAFS), its mission, and programs.  FAFS is the only nonprofit organization in New Jersey serving as a unified voice and support network for foster, adoptive, and kinship families.  Walking will help sustain programs which help over 7,000 New Jersey children in foster care participate in extracurricular activities, celebrate the holidays with separated siblings and peers who share the same experiences, and plan for college and independent living.

“A stable and supportive foster home can make a tremendously positive impact on the outcome of a child’s life,” says Janet Farrand, President of FAFS Foundation.   “FAFS works tirelessly to make sure that foster families and the children in their care get the services and support they need to be a healthy and thriving part of the community.”

K9’s for Kids 5K Walk for Dogs and Their Humans for Children in Foster Care in NJ is an outdoor rain or shine event.  Get more information at www.fafsfoundation.org or call (609) 977-4880.  All proceeds will go to Foster and Adoptive Family Services Foundation, a 501(c)(3).

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