The SPCA's 2014 March for the Animals exceeded its goal of $100,000 by raising a total of over $108,000. This year, new registration and attendance records were reached with over 312 people registering for the March, 52 teams participating, and more than 54 youth fundraisers.

Executive Director Jim Bouderau commented, "I couldn't believe the huge increase in the numbers of people this year – Nearly 100 more than ever before! It was so exciting to see so many individuals and entire families at the March with their pets." Bouderau says that participants included hundreds of dogs, 4 cats, 1 ferret, 1 hedgehog, and at least one stuff animal, including a plush guinea pig standing in for compatriots who stayed home.

The Cayuga Heights Elementary School 4th graders, led by Mary Wirtz, mother of 4th grader Melanie Wirtz, raised over $2,000. Melanie attended Camp SPCA over the summer and she and her family love animals and wanted to help as much as possible. At least 15 classmates joined the CHES 4th grade March team.

Event chairs were Leslie Danks Burke, her husband Cody, and their children Anna and Sophia. The children raised $500.47 by selling cookies and lemonade. Anna gave a rousing speech to help kick-off the March, emphasizing the importance of spaying and neutering all pets.


The March for the Animals is the SPCA's single biggest fundraiser of the year. The goal of $100,000 is not arbitrary; it is specifically designated for the cost of veterinary care for shelter animals throughout the year.

"Veterinary care is, of course, essential here. Staffing, medicine, vaccinations, regular check-ups for thousands of animals – and this doesn't even include the costs of emergencies for urgent, extreme injuries," Bouderau says.

"Sponsors donated almost 20% of the grand total and are an integral part of our success," Bouderau says.

The Presenting Sponsor was CFCU Community Credit Union and the Lead Sponsor was Harris Beach PLLC. Gold Sponsors included The Computing Center, Sprague & Janowsky, Warren Real Estate, Maguire Family of Dealerships. 20 more local business also sponsored the event: Audrey Edelman Realty USA, Asthma & Allergy Associates, Bellwether Hard Cider, Cayuga Hand Therapy PT, Chiang O'Brien Architects, Colonial Veterinary Hospital, Communiqué Design & Marketing, The Heights Café & Grille, Hilton Garden Inn Ithaca, Ithaca Grain & Pet Supply, Meadowridge Veterinary Hospital, Sciarabba Walker, Bells Design, Briar Patch Veterinary Hospital, Frannie Haranin State Farm Insurance, Felicia's Atomic Lounge, Strebel Community Enrichment Fund of the Community  Foundation of Tompkins County, 14850.com, Dede Hatch Photography and Rachel Philipson Photography & Design.  Cornell Plantations hosted the event and Cayuga Radio Group provided media coverage.

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