The APA’s ‘Walk of the Century’ Event Receives a Paw-Up From Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan to donate up to $30,000 to incentivize participation in APA’s program geared toward improving fitness and strengthening bonds between people and pets
As part of its celebration of turning 100, The Animal Protective Association Adoption Center (APA) announced its “Walk of the Century:” a fundraising program that challenges pet owners to walk 100 miles with their pet – anywhere and anytime between now and the end of the year while raising money for shelter pets. To encourage participation in the program, Pro Plan will donate $100 for each registration between Sept. 6 and Oct. 31, up to $30,000.
The Walk of the Century program is designed for owners of all kinds of pets. Participating walkers can win exclusive prizes for achieving milestones, all while getting exercise and enjoying together time with their pet. The money raised through the program will go directly towards helping pets through adoption, humane education programs and low-cost wellness services at the APA. The money raised by the Pro Plan brand will go specifically toward new equipment for play areas.
“We created the Walk of the Century program with our mission in mind: pets and people bringing out the best of one another,” said Sarah Javier, president and CEO of the APA of Missouri. “We are especially thankful to the Purina Pro Plan team for their generous donation to help us continue to make an impact on the lives of people and pets in our city for the next 100 years and beyond.”
“Pro Plan Sport delivers fine-tuned nutrition to help keep active dogs and canine athletes strong and energized,” said Joe Hitzler, brand manager for Pro Plan. “By ensuring that shelter pets have access to enriching play areas, Pro Plan is helping these dogs build up their strength and stamina so they’re prepared for a lifetime of adventure together with their new family.”
The APA was founded in the summer of 1922 in Webster Groves, Missouri, by Ella Megginson. After witnessing a man beating a horse in front of Webster Groves City Hall, Mrs. Megginson decided to become an advocate for animals in St. Louis with a focus on preventing animal cruelty. What began 100 years ago as a group of committed citizens envisioning a kinder world towards animals, the APA Adoption Center continues to lead the St. Louis region’s animal welfare efforts by engineering and implementing innovative programs that connect – and keep – pets and people together.