NORTHAMPTON — Volunteers in Northampton schools will host its 18th Annual Dog Show on March 7 from noon to 3 p.m. at Northampton High School. According to organizers, the event is once again expected to bring “high levels of tail-wagging fun” in support of the nonprofit’s work.
VINS President Margie Riddle explained that the dog show fundraiser was born from a fundraising event that draws attention to the nonprofit and its work. Although 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 idea is that public education works best when it has not just the tax money support of the citizens and the local community, but also the personal involvement, and that’s what we’re all about,” added Riddle.
The private, nonprofit organization was founded in 1981, and its mission is to have 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 professional staff.
The event is free, but registration for dogs costs $8 before Feb. 28. Registration is $12 at the door and $5 for non-competing dogs. Donations are accepted, and all dogs must be on a non-extending leash.
“Because we are a nonprofit, we have to raise some money, because what the money is for is to hire a coordinator to manage the program. All the other people are volunteers; this is a job, and so in order to have that job work, we are independent of the school district, and we have to raise some funds,” explained Riddle. “We were absolutely determined that even though it was a fundraiser, we wanted it to be accessible to all families, all kids and just a fun time. It’s hard to have a fundraiser that’s not asking for funds, but that’s what the dog show is, so we advertise the dog show as free, just the dogs have to pay.”
Whether it’s a VINS member generally assisting a teacher in their classroom, or one joining to share a personal experience with students with regard to a lesson, the organization has lasted over four decades due to its success, enriching and supplementing classroom experiences.
All VINS members are given a background check before volunteering.
“Kids don’t always know that this is my volunteer who comes in, but he actually lives in the neighborhood. It’s very exciting for children to realize that,” added Riddle.
Competitions listed for the dog show include “Best Fetcher,” “Best Hair” and “Best Smile,” to name a few. A snow date is scheduled for March 8, and the event will also feature raffle prizes.
More information on how to volunteer with the nonprofit, this event, and VINS’ work can be found at vinsnorthampton.com.
“It’s silly but so much fun,” Riddle said. “We decided the first Saturday in March, which is a time when everybody is sick of winter, and spring sports haven’t started, and there’s not much going on. So, we thought, let’s have something that’s fun and an afternoon free for families. Kids sit around the outside of the ring watching the dogs, and the sillier the dogs are, when they don’t always perform as they’re supposed to, that’s the best.”
