NORTHAMPTON — Volunteers in Northampton Schools, also known as VINS, will be hosting its 17th Annual Dog Show on Saturday, March 1, from noon to 3 p.m. at Northampton High School, in what is once again expected to be an event with high levels of tail-wagging-fun all in support of the nonprofit’s work.
VINS President Margie Riddle explained the dog show idea was born from the nonprofit creating a fundraising event that draws attention to the nonprofit and its work as opposed to being focused on strictly raising money. While they have different fundraisers and ways for people to donate during the year, the dog show has become a highlight of VINS work through a fun pet and family-friendly afternoon.
The private, nonprofit organization was founded in 1981 and its mission is to provide volunteers in all of Northampton’s public schools. The purpose of volunteer involvement in the schools is to supplement and enrich the curriculum offerings at the direction of the professional staff.
“A dog show came about because we were looking for a fundraiser that would draw attention to the program about something that’s in the public schools and would bring in families and children but not be asking them for money,” Riddle explained. “It has become an event that families, no matter how many kids they have, can come enjoy, watch and have fun and not really have to pay anything.”
Registration is required for dogs and is $8 before Feb. 26. Registration will be $12 at the door and $5 for all non-competing dogs with donations being accepted. All dogs must be on a non-extending leash.
“The real benefit is on the day of the show when the families show up, the kids are there, and there’s dogs parading around the ring, it’s just so enchanting, really,” Riddle said. “We wanted something all of the kids felt they could come to and not something that was obviously designed to be a fundraiser and that some families would just say to their kids, ‘we can’t afford it.’ So this turned out to be our dream come true.”
Some of the competitions listed include “Best Fetcher,” “Best Hair” and “Best Smile,” to name a few. A snow date is schedule for Sunday, March 2. The event will also feature raffle prizes.
Riddle said while the event is a connective introduction to VINS and their work, it also leads to many new volunteers for their work. She added that their supplement work through volunteering leads to teachers being able to better do their jobs, something that is invaluable to the community.
“It’s that kind of support from the community that’s kind of holding up the public schools, not just through tax money, but by people really caring for the kids. There’s a way you can say that in person if you have a school volunteer program,” Riddle said. “It’s not just about money, it’s also about people, and it’s a magical thing that’s really priceless.”
More information on how to volunteer with the nonprofit, this event and VINS work can be found on the Northampton Public Schools website.
Riddle shared that the community’s support of the nonprofit’s work and through events like the dog show are great examples of their care of the city’s children.
“I think it speaks a lot to just what this community is, that they care too. They really care about the kids’ education and that’s been wonderful to experience because sometimes I think its hard to ask for something, except in this case, it’s easy,” Riddle said.
