Pet Walk

print this page

Pet Walk 2009 was a great sucess!

     The sun did not come out till near the end of the event, but the Cumberland-Lincoln Rotary Club's 2009 Pet Walk was a great success. Despite the economic climate, participants and sponsors alike were very giving at our Pet Walk this year, eclipsing last year's record-breaking mark! Since 2004, our Rotary Club has organized a Pet Walk, where the proceeds raised benefit the Cumberland and Lincoln animal shelters, as well as other Rotary charities, many of which are local organizations.

     As chairperson of the walk, I was thrilled to see the generosity and turn-out. Firstly, I would like to thank my fellow Cumberland-Lincoln Rotarians, especially the Pet Walk committee, without whom this could not have been a success. Also, a very special thank you to the Cumberland and Lincoln animal shelters, who have worked with us on this event since its founding.

     Of course, no charitable event can be successful without sponsors, and I would like to offer my gratitude to them. To begin with, thank you to our event sponsors: Amica and the Rhode Island Greyhound Owners Association. Also, thank you to our half-mile sponsors: M.W. Aragao Investment Advisors, Dave's Marketplace, and Energy Source; and our quarter mile sponsors: Amerinet Solutions, BankRI, Joseph P. Calabro, CPA; Cinema World, Daniele Inc., Digregorio Corp., The Henry Gonsalves Co., Lincoln Animal Hospital, National Grid, Navigant Credit Union, Reddy Raw, and Rockland Trust. Also, thank you to our other sponsors: Colonial Toyota, John Shekarchi, Attorney-at-law, Jim & Lori Stewart, David Johansen, Mortgage Advisor, Sol E Vento, Brazilian Products, Michael and Kristen Aragao, Ted Murphy and family, Seven Point Financial, Inc., Smart Staffing, Inc., The MacColl Field YMCA, Dr. David Ward, DMD; The Cumberland/Lincoln Boy's & Girl's Club, Best Impressions, Joseph J. Roszkowski, Attorney-at-law; Coastway Credit Union, Kevin and Laura Ward, Fiberglass Fabricators, Inc., North Central Chamber of Commerce, Lee Drury and family, Ann Brown and family, Norm Saute and family, Brenda Whorf and family, Thomas Schmitt and family, and Tim Draper and family.

     Raffle prizes are also a staple for any event, and I would like to thank those who donated raffle items, including Jungle Junction, Cuddly Critters Pet Sitting, Kristen Aragao (my beautiful wife), Ann Brown, The Henry Gonsalves Co., Honey Dew, and Faials Restaurant. Thank you also to Honey Dew for donating donuts for the event; Starbucks for donating coffee; fellow Rotarian Craig Bloomer and the Boys and Girls Club for donating "people" and "dog" water; fellow Rotarian Lee Drury and the Cumberland Senior Center for allowing the use of their facilities; State Police Trooper Erik Yanyar and his K-9 partner, Boris, for donating their time for a demonstration; fellow Rotarian Tom Ward and The Valley Breeze for all their donated resources; my own staff at M.W. Aragao for their dedication; and especially to Dr. Joyce Gifford, DVM, who has attended every year to ensure all pets are healthy and on their best behavior.

     Last but not least, thank you to all the participants who gave up their Saturday morning to walk and raise money for our causes. Without you, this event would not be possible. Extra special thanks to Jason Minchillo and family, Lyn McDermott, and Barbara Trinidad, the top three fund-raising walkers, who raised a combined $750.

Thank you again to everyone, and we hope to see you at Pet Walk 2010, Saturday, June 5, at the Monastery.

Michael Aragao

Pet Walk 2009 Chairperson

Cumberland/Lincoln Rotary Club Director & Treasurer