Community Corner
Gulfport Get's Rescued
Gulfport’s Get Rescued, the animal rescue festival and
fundraiser, is preparing for its 10th annual event to take place on Saturday,
February 22, 2014 from 10am to 6pm. This popular event has evolved from
one block and a handful of animal rescue groups in its first year to a popular
and festive event representing rescue groups from throughout the
region.
Gulfport's Get Rescued is one of the largest animal
rescue events in the state, with all profits to benefit participating
non-profit rescue groups. Animal rescue organizations, many appearing with
adoptable pets, take over Beach Blvd. to raise money and awareness for their
causes. Additionally, animal-related vendors, artists and crafters offer their wares to festival-goers.
Pet Related activities will include a pet parade with
domestic and adoptable pets, pet care education, pet services, a pet food and supplies drive, animal rescue groups,
free samples, training demos, Canine Massage, food, music & more. Each
year, thousands of attendees, many accompanied by their own canine companions,
make their way to Gulfport to participate in what has become a beloved
tradition. Well behaved pets and their leashed people are welcome!
The daytime event is free for the public to attend, with plenty of free parking
in and around the area.
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The Get Rescued evening celebration, Tails at Twilight, is a
popular component of a full day of festivities that begin with Gulfport’s Get
Rescued, the beloved annual street festival and fundraiser held on Beach Blvd.
on the same day. Later in the evening, after
the pets have gone to bed, all are invited to a lively evening of fun for
humans that will also donate to the important cause of animal rescues.
The evening will include dancing and live music.
Catered hors d’oeuvre, a cash bar, fresh flowers and festive décor will add to
the party atmosphere. Opportunity
drawings will take place during the evening. Proceeds from ticket sales, after expenses, will be donated to rescue groups participating in the evening event. Live and silent auctions will offer
a chance to support participating non-profit rescue groups with a variety of
auction items up for bids including travel, hotel stays, art, wine and food,
pet accessories, restaurant gift certificates and much more.
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Rescue groups solicit their own items and
will receive 100% of proceeds from their auctions. Tickets for the Get Rescued Evening Celebration
are a $20 donation. Advance tickets are
recommended, however, a limited number of tickets may be available at the door
on Saturday, February 22 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Gulfport Casino
Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. South. For
more information on Tails at Twilight, or to purchase advance tickets, please
visit www.GulfportMA or contact Lynda Shehan
at (727) 323-3892 or No1Ringmaster@aol.com.
Enthusiasts can become involved in Gulfport’s Get Rescued by
sponsoring an individual animal rescue group for $50, which will include a
prominent sign at that group’s Beach Blvd. booth during the event. Local
businesses are also encouraged to donate items for live and silent auctions,
with the proceeds being divided among the participating rescues. Visitors and attendees are encouraged to
bring donations of dog and cat food, cat litter and pet supplies. Drop-off
locations will be conveniently located on Beach Blvd at the intersections of
128th Ave S and Shore Blvd. Contributions will be distributed
to participating rescues on the day of the event.
Gulfport’s Get Rescued is proudly hosted by The Gulfport
Merchants Association and is produced by SIK Promotions.
The event is co-sponsored by the City of Gulfport, The
Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce, BellaDOG Magazine, Pet PRIDE Magazine,
BeachLife, Gulfport Patch, Auntie Lynda’s Pet Care, The Gabber, Olympus
Printing, Rainbow411.com, GreenDirectoriesUSA.com and many more community
sponsors.
For more information on Gulfport’s Get Rescued, visit www.GulfportMA.com or www.facebook.com/GetRescued or
contact Suzanne King at 727-322-5217 / email SuzFest@gmail.com.
Pet friendly vendors and rescue groups can download the applications at www.SIKPromotions.com under the vendor
info tab.