25 Years Of Strolling To The Sea

The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons presents its annual “Stroll to the Sea” Dog Walk on Saturday, October 6, from 9 AM to noon, beginning and ending at Mulford Farm on 10 James Lane in East Hampton. Dog lovers and supporters of four-legged friends will participate in the two-mile walk to the water and back.

This family fun event celebrates its milestone 25th year of mutts, purebreeds, and pedigree pups all strolling for a cause. ARF, founded in 1974, takes in 1700 cats and dogs annually, and has provided homes for more than 27,000 rescues.

Registrants receive free nail clippings for their dog, refreshments, including Starbucks coffee, for a pick-me-up, Dreesen’s Famous Donuts, dog treats, bottled water, a tote bag, and a T-shirt featuring artwork by Isaac Mizrahi.

“In a world where so many bad things happen, I see the good things ARF is doing and it actually improves the quality of my life, the quality of my perception of what it means to live on this planet. The goodness gets clearer the more I see the results of their efforts, and how much they help animals and people that love animals. I am proud to be involved with them in any way I can be,” Mizrahi said. Those individuals who collect $250 or more in pledges will receive a special gift from the designer himself.

After a nice, brisk fall walk, guests can partake in “adogable” contests starting at 11 AM. See what dog and companion look most alike, what pooch has the best smooch, or who learned the art of “stupid pet tricks.” For the energetic canine, there will be a dog agility course. All of this will go on while singer/songwriter Sandy Rapp performs on the guitar. Finally, a silent and lucky numbers auction will be available, with prizes including experiences, products, and services.

Scott Howe, ARF Executive Director, said, “Every year at the Stroll to the Sea Dog Walk, we see ARF’s mission come full circle, to see our former ARFans with their new families and to see all the dogs in the community whose families support our work makes it a very special day of the year. And the cats at ARF are perfectly happy not to participate.”

There will be prizes for the top fund raisers, including a two-night stay with breakfast at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, GA; seven nights of premium accommodations at the St. James’s Club, Antigua; and a summer share for the 2019 season at Amber Waves Farm in Amagansett. Children are also encouraged to participate, with the top prize for those 13 and under receiving a bicycle from the Sag Harbor Cycle Company. All those who register collecting $150 or higher will be invited to an exclusive Kick-Off Cocktail Party on Friday, October 5, from 6 to 8 PM at the East Hampton residence of Gordon Hope and Michael Dehn Breault.

The ARF Adoption Center is located at 124 Daniels Hole road in East Hampton.

The event, presented by The Corcoran Group, has gates open at 9 AM and the walk begins at 10. Pre-registration fee is $30; $40 day of event; and free for children under 13 with a registered adult. Rain date is Sunday, October 7, at 8 AM. Dog walkers can register at www.arfhamptons.org or by phone, call Jean 631-537-040, ext. 219.

nicole@indyeastend.com