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Walk for Paws: Community Festival and Awareness Walkathon

  • Wakanda Park 909 Pine Avenue East Menomonie, WI, 54751 United States (map)

Walk for Paws

Presented by The Bridge to Hope & Dunn County Humane Society

Join DCHS and The Bridge to Hope at Wakanda Park on Sunday, October 13th for our Community Festival and Walkathon as we raise awareness for Domestic Violence and create a brighter future for both people and pets in our community.

This is more than just a walk — it’s a day of family fun, all while supporting your community’s non-profits. Together with The Bridge to Hope, we’re raising awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and raising vital funds for both organizations.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and through this event, we’re acknowledging that violence doesn’t just affect individuals, but families, pets, and entire communities. By joining forces with The Bridge to Hope, we’re committing to create a safe and nurturing community for all—people and pets alike. Come for the walk, but stay for the community, food trucks, raffles, games, and festivities — all for a good cause!

Walkathon

Our walkathon is not a race — it’s an opportunity to come together as a community as we walk through the beautiful Wakanda Park.

Pets are more than welcome to join! Feel free to bring your well-socialized and vaccinated pets on a leash or in a backpack, stroller, or carrier so they can join in on the fun!

Whether you are walking solo, with your family, or with your four-legged friends, your participation will help support vital services for those in need in our community.

Registration for the walk is $15 for individuals and $25 for families. All proceeds benefit the Dunn County Humane Society and The Bridge to Hope.

Help us Stuff the Truck by bringing an item donation for The Bridge to Hope or DCHS to the event and get a $5 coupon towards Walk registration or Bounce House wristbands!

Click here to see what items DCHS needs

Click here to see what items The Bridge to Hope needs

Community Festival

Spend the day at the park with us for activities for the whole family! We’ll have local food trucks, and raffle baskets with fantastic prizes. We’ll also have inflatable bounce houses, face painting, a chance to “Ask A Vet” with Dr. Lisa from Pet Care Xpress, and more! There’s something for everyone!

Event Schedule

  • 11:00 AM: Food trucks open for lunch

  • 12:00 PM: Registration opens for the Walk

  • 1:00 PM: Walkathon begins

  • 2:00 PM: Raffle Basket drawings

 
  • Our Community Festival will include:

    • bounce houses

    • face painting

    • food trucks

    • Ask a Vet booth

  • Registration for our Pet Walkathon:

    • $15 for individuals

    • $25 for families

    Wristbands for our Inflatable Bounces:

    • $10 for unlimited bounces!

  • Yes, we did!! Check back closer to the event for the full list of vendors.

  • Interested in getting involved with this event as a volunteer, raffle basket donor, or Trail Sign sponsor?
    Reach out to Harvey at director@dunncountyhumanesociety.org

    Sponsor a Trail Sign along the path at Wakanda Park for just $50! This year’s trail signs will include pictures of adoptable pets, creating a delightful path of furry faces, encouraging us as we walk around the Park, and acknowledging our sponsors in a memorable way. Sponsors will also have the option to take home the sign with the picture of their sponsored pet.
    Sponsor a Trail Sign Here

  • The event is a celebration of community spirit, family fun, and advocacy. Funds raised through the Walkathon will benefit both DCHS and The Bridge to Hope, providing essential services to people and animals in need.

    “Violence affects not just individuals but entire families—including pets. This event allows us to come together, raise awareness, and contribute to a brighter future for our community,” said Harvey, Shelter Manager at Dunn County Humane Society.

    While discussing the importance of this event, Jenn McDermid, Director of Domestic Abuse Victim Services for The Bridge to Hope, shared, "The Bridge to Hope is 1 of only 8 pet-friendly shelters among the 72 domestic violence shelters in Wisconsin. Recognizing the critical link between survivors and their pets, our shelter addresses a vital need: the fact that perpetrators often threaten or abuse pets to exert control over their victims. Many survivors hesitate to leave abusive situations if they cannot take their beloved animals with them, ultimately prolonging their suffering. Through our strong community partnership in Dunn County Humane Society, we are both committed to fostering environments where both survivors and their pets can thrive free from abuse."

    This event is more than just a walk; it's a chance to connect with your community and make a difference in the lives of families and pets facing challenges. Together, we are taking strides against violence, for people and pets.

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September 14

10th Annual Fur-kin Fest

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October 25

About A Boat: Music Video Premiere & Charity Fundraiser