Walkies For A Cause
A 5k Pet Park fundraiser for the people and critters making our community smarter, safer, and stronger.
Everything you need to know
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Event Date:
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Time:
Meet, 6:30pm
Start, 7:00pm
Celebrations, 7:30pm - onwards
Location:
Christopher Street Pier (Pier 45)
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You think you know what a 5k looks like? THINK AGAIN! This is a 5k "race" unlike any other.
Participants can utilize whatever mode of movement they wish - run, jog, walk, skip, skate, scoot, bike, etc.
It's not about who’s most able, in-shape, or fastest. In fact, participants don’t actually have to move at all! Folx can sit in the park and do an activity that takes them on an inward journey using whatever practice they wish, such as breath, chanting, or meditation.
You choose whatever feels right for you!
By taking part, we're collectively agreeing to:
hold space for our community,
have fun with friends and friends-to-be,
take a trek–whether through Hudson River Park or an internal landscape,
and raise money for initiatives doing impactful work in our immediate communities.
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All money raised will be donated to:
NYC’s first and only trans-owned, queer-centered health and pleasure shop.
Upstate Pet Play Weekend(Aug 9-11)
a weekend of education and play produced by the Hudson Valley Kennel Club.
Brooklyn Pet Play Weekend (Nov 8-10)
the 2nd edition of parties, socials, and classes produced by Brat & Co.
Fundraising Goal:
$1,500 - but we can do better ;)
The final amount will be divided evenly between the beneficiaries.
Prizes will be awarded for:
High Roller - most money raised by an individual
High Roller Club - most money raised by a team/pack
Standout Presentation - for dress, style of movement, alt activity, etc.
Sportsmanship - the person who best embodies the spirit of the event
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The walkie will take place in Hudson River Park.
It will be a loop, starting and finishing halfway down the Christopher Street Pier (Pier 45). Participants will make their way north, on the sidewalk or run path, to the end of Pier 64–just north of the Chelsea Piers–where there will be a checkpoint marking the participant’s number. Participants will then make their way back to the Christopher Street Pier (Pier 45) via the same route.
Folx choosing to do a stationary activity will remain on the green at Pier 45.
Dress and safety:
GEAR - We discourage participants from wearing play gear (harnesses, fursuits, bondage gear, etc) as it is the middle of summer and it will be very warm. Additionally, we do not want to draw unwanted attention to ourselves and other participants who may not wish their kink life to be on public display. Items that are suitable include caps with ears, modified hoods, and petplay apparel, etc.
PROTECT YOUR BODY - Your knees are not paws. Please DO NOT attempt to literally crawl on all-4’s the entire way. Maybe save that for a photo moment at the finish line. Sunscreen is encouraged. Wear personal protection equipment as you see fit.
HYDRATE - Water available at Pier 45 and at the checkpoint on Pier 64. If at any point you’re not feeling okay – stop immediately and get the attention of a participant or volunteer.
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Participation:
Open to everyone - puppies, pets, handlers, allies, friends, unsure-of-where-you-fit's.
No one, in good community standing, will be denied participation and all donations, no matter how small, will be accepted.
To win a prize participants must raise a minimum of $25 (per person if in a group). Keep in mind that minimums are just that – we’re hoping participants will raise a lot more!
Individuals v. Groups
Participants can sign up as an individual or as a member of a team/pack, ie: #DECS-Pack, #ChuusBobaBoys, etc.
Teams are automatically entered into the “High Roller Club” prize pool. People in groups can still win individual prizes.
By paritcipanting you agree to the followingcommunity expectations:
1. RESPECT. Assume best intentions. Create a welcoming atmosphere. No racism, sexism, ableism, or other forms of hate will be tolerated.
2. CONSENT. Gain enthusiastic consent before touching anybody.
3. PHOTOS. Everybody has different comfort levels with being photographed, in and/or out of a hood. Gain consent before posting photos of others to social media.
4. CONFLICT RESOLUTION. If issues arise, talk them out person-to-person whenever possible. The next step would be to directly message the event organizer, Chipper.
5. KNOW THE CONTEXT. Remember—parks are public places. While we want everyone to feel safe and will work to create a safe environment, all individuals ultimately assume all risks inherent in participating in a kink-centric event that unfolds in a public place. If individuals break the community expectations, the event organizers may uninvite them from Pet Park and related events.
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On July 6, 2022 Chipper initiated Pup Park, an informal weekly social for human-pups, that recurred every Wednesday between July - September, at a different park in NYC every month. The goal was to facilitate a space where puppies could build meaningful connections with the humans behind the hoods, inclusive of those under 21, and away from alcohol and drug-centered environments, like bars. Pup Park quickly became more than simply a park hangout–it was a fully-fledged community with its own will and life-force.
In Spring 2023, a second season was confirmed, extending the run time from June - September. Additionally, the name Pup Park was changed to Pet Park to reflect the expanding population within the community and Pup Rexy came on-board as co-host. The event was one of the most anticipated petplay gatherings in the tri-state area, attracting human-pets, handlers, furries, kinksters, and allies. As a celebration of the community, on the final meetup of the season (September 27, 2023), Chipper and Rexy hosted the first Pet Park Awards, where every regular attendee was presented with a medal and a personal corresponding title.
Now in its third season, and under the leadership of Pup Rexy and Pup Roger, Pet Park continues to bring us together in friendship, comradery, and a celebration of our kink identities. With a solid foundation in place, it is only natural that Pet Park organizers continue to grow the mission and service of this thriving community. Therefore, this year, Chipper will be producing the first Pet Park fundraiser, Walkies For A Cause, to help raise money for organizations in our immediate community.