The following is a republished press release from the SPCA of Tompkins County and is NOT written by The Ithaca Voice. To submit community announcements directly to The Ithaca Voice, email tips@ithacavoice.com.

ITHACA, N.Y. — Jim Bouderau, SPCA of Tompkins County Executive Director, has announced that the shelter’s most important annual fundraising event, the March for the Animals will be held on Sunday October 1.

The March for the Animals is scheduled for Sunday, October 1 at 10:30 a.m. at the F.R. Newman
Arboretum at the Cornell Botanic Gardens on the Cornell University campus. The botanic gardens also serves as host sponsor for the event. Like other local “friend-raising” events, the majority of fundraising for the $115,000 goal will take place now in the weeks leading up to the event.

Bouderau says “This year is particularly important for us. We will be celebrating our 115th anniversary
as our local animal shelter right here in Tompkins County. This incredible milestone, much like the support we receive for this event, is a true testament to our local community.”

This year’s March for the Animals will be co-chaired by local author and nationally syndicated “Ask Amy” columnist Amy Dickinson and her husband Bruno Schickel. Bruno, best known for his “Tiny House” development, the Boiceville Cottages, and Amy are longtime supporters and adopters of the SPCA.

“Amy and Bruno have been involved with the SPCA for as long as I can remember. Their commitment to our shelter, our animals, and our mission, is heartwarming. “ Bouderau says.

Amy says of the March, “I’m delighted to co-chair this year’s March for the Animals, alongside my husband Bruno. Both Bruno and I grew up on local dairy farms, befriending large and small animals. My late mother Jane was an early supporter and advocate for the important work of our local SPCA, and we are so very proud of its prominence and national reputation as a leader in the compassionate care of animals. I serve in memory of the countless wonderful animal companions that have happily ruled my life, and in honor of my wonderful elderly cat, Chester, a former long-time resident of the SPCA, who chose me as his forever-family over ten years ago.”

The annual event sees more than 250 participants each year and historically raises around $100,000
for the medical care of the SPCA’s animals.

The March’s Presenting Sponsor is CFCU Community Credit Union.

The Lead Sponsor is Harris Beach, PLLC.

“Our sponsors are integral to success of the event,” Bouderau goes on to say. “With $115,000 to
raise for the veterinary care of two thousand shelter animals, we rely on the generosity of our
sponsors, our event fundraisers, all of their supporters, and everyone who volunteers and
participates.”

While we are still in the process of confirming sponsors for the event, at this time Gold Sponsors include The Computing Center; Blackbird Studios; Finger Lakes Wrecker; Sprague and Janowsky; and Travis Hyde Properties.

Silver Sponsors include GiveGab; The Frame Shop; Howard Hanna Real Estate; Ithaca Coffee Company; Triphammer Wine and Spirits; Communiqué Design and Marketing; Hilton Garden Inn of Ithaca; Warren Real Estate; Sciarabba Walker; The Inn on Columbia; and Chiang and O’Brien Architects.

Bronze Sponsors include Briar Patch Veterinary Hospital; the Strebel Fund for Community Enrichment of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County; Suzanne Wisor, Bookkeeping Services; Lambrou Real Estate; and Shelter Outreach Services.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the event are encouraged to contact the SPCA as soon as
possible.

Adults and children may register for the March by going to www.spcaonline.com and following the
March links. The SPCA asks that adults raise a minimum of $115 each and that children attempt to
raise $50 each. Bouderau says “15 people who ask just 15 friends each for $15 each can raise $3375
in no time!”

For more information about the 2017 March for the Animals, please contact Jim Bouderau at
director@spcaonline.com or Lynne Conway, Volunteer and Philanthropic Programs Manager at
lynne@spcaonline.com.

The mission of the SPCA of Tompkins County is to protect companion animals. We are the first
open-admission, no-kill shelter in the United States dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and
overpopulation. We promote responsible pet stewardship by providing education, counseling and
training to nurture and enhance the human-animal bond.

The Dorothy and Roy Park Pet Adoption Center is open for adoptions every day except Wednesday
from Noon – 5:00 PM and is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from Noon – 7:00 PM. The SPCA Annex
at The Shops at Ithaca Mall is open Monday through Saturday 11:00 AM. – 7:00 PM and
Sunday 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Featured image: Amy Dickinson is one of the co-chairs of the March for the Animals event this year. Provided Photo