Dog Lovers Gather to Raise Over $9,300 for Charity Event

A vibrant crowd of more than 230 dog enthusiasts and community members attended the annual Fall Fest Market hosted by the HugABull Advocacy & Rescue Society at Thunderbird Show Park on October 4, 2023. The event featured local vendors, food trucks, and various activities that celebrated the bond between dogs and their owners, all while raising funds for a worthy cause.

Event organizer Malone Guenther expressed her delight at the turnout and the overall atmosphere. “The weather was wonderful,” she noted. “Most of it was undercover, but it was still nice to have people not in the pouring rain to get down to the venue. We had over 230 people come out.”

Local vendors showcased an array of products, ranging from baked goods to handmade crafts. One of the highlights included Beau Bead Co., operated by an eight-year-old girl who donates $2 from each bracelet sale to animal-related causes, with this event benefiting HugABull. Other popular vendors included Gibson’s Gourmet Goodies, which delighted attendees by offering free cupcakes for their dogs, and a well-received ice cream cart that catered to both humans and their canine companions.

A particularly popular feature of the event was the puppy cuddle pen, where guests could pay $5 for five minutes of snuggling with puppies. “People loved that,” Guenther remarked. “We had two pens with six puppies each, and they got breaks throughout the day.” This interactive experience added to the festive atmosphere and drew many attendees.

By the end of the day, the market successfully raised over $9,300 to support HugABull’s foster care and outreach programs. These funds will assist with essential services such as food, medical care, and veterinary visits for dogs in need, as well as contribute to the organization’s low-cost spay and neuter initiative.

In addition to the day’s activities, a raffle aimed at helping Moira, a senior dog recovering from cancer surgeries, will continue online until October 14. Those who were unable to attend the event can still support HugABull through donations or by purchasing their latest merchandise, including T-shirts and hoodies.

Founded in 2003, HugABull Advocacy & Rescue Society is dedicated to improving the lives of dogs in need. For more information about their initiatives and how to get involved, visit hugabull.com.