Our mission? Tails, Trails…and Ales!
This contest is jointly run through a partnership between the Portage Park District Foundation and the Madonio Animal Trust, and our brewing partners North Water Brewing Co.
How this contest benefits tails:
The Madonio Animal Trust was established in 2013 with the single goal of promoting animal causes in our communities. An endowed fund of the Portage Foundation, this non-profit organization has grown by leaps and bounds, particularly after the introduction of the annual Dog Days of Summer fundraising festival which began in 2015. The MAT proceeds support many local animal groups, including the Portage APL (including their low-income community cat spay and neuter program), Rose’s Rescue, and Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary. Through the Family & Community Services Doggie Bags program MAT provides 1,800 lbs. of dry food and 1,500 cans per year to pets of folks who receive Mobile Meals. In conjunction with local veterinarians they also support the care of less fortunate pets who require emergency services. (http://www.madonio-animal-trust.org)
How this contest benefits trails:
Where can you walk with your best friend year-round while enjoying the beauty of nature? Where can you experience interesting sights, sounds, smells and… squirrels? On Portage Park District Trails, of course! Portage Park District manages over 25 miles of hiking trails across the county where you can walk your leashed dog or any other leashed pet any time of the year to get the fresh air and exercise you both need. The Park District has some exciting plans to open more parks and develop more trails, so the Portage Park District Foundation wants to continue to build its trail fund to help provide more places for you and your furry friends. Developing and maintaining trails is expensive. The Portage Park District Foundation believes that generating funds dedicated to trail development will help the Portage Park District open more lands making our parks more accessible to people and their pets. (http://portageparkdistrict.org/parkplanning/)
Our partner North Water Brewing supplies the ales:
North Water Brewing is our dedicated partner for this event. Located at the northwest corner of Kent’s recently branded “Mill District,” NWB is a vibrant member of the growing community in Kent. NWB is a group of local brewers and beer lovers who are dedicated to creating a safe and friendly venue for families and adults to meet, share stories, sample foods from local restaurants, listen to great local music, and view works from local artists while drinking world class craft beer. NWB minimizes the environmental impact by being 100% focused on sustainability and environment responsibility sourcing clean power and local ingredients when available and recycling or composting any waste materials. Located right on the Portage Hike and Bike Path, NWB is a proud partner of this event and supports both the Portage Park District Foundation and the Madonio Animal Trust.