Gulfport's Get Rescued

Gulfport’s Get Rescued, the animal rescue festival and fundraiser, is preparing for its seventh annual event to take place on Saturday, February 26^th, 2011 from 10AM to 5PM during the street festival and 7 to 11PM for the evening Rescue Celebration. This popular event, which Gulfport Merchant's Association (GMA) hosts, has evolved from one block and a handful of animal rescue groups in its first year to a popular and festive event representing as many as 60 animal rescue groups from throughout the region. Gulfport's Get Rescued is one of the largest such events in the state, with all proceeds 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 AKC Canine Good Citizen testing, a Pet's fashion show, a pet parade, pet care education, pet services, a pet food  and supplies drive, animal rescue groups, adoptable pets, free samples, cat and dog origami, training demos, Doggie Musical Beds (similar to "Musical Chairs"), Canine Massage, food, music & Games. 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. Visitors and attendees are encouraged to bring donations of dog and cat food, cat litter and pet supplies.  Several convenient drop off locations will be on site, and contributions will be distributed to participating rescues on the day of the event. 

The Get Rescued Celebration is the popular evening component following a full day of festivities.  After the animals 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 by popular local band No Slack, offering a revue of Motown and Soul favorites perfect for the dance floor.  French and Continental cuisine sponsored by La Cote Basque Winehouse, 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 twelve 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.  Local businesses are encouraged to donate items for auctions.  To participate in the auction fundraising or to donate items, please contact Lynda Sheehan at (727) 323-3892 or rescuedngulfport@aol.com.

Tickets for the evening Get Rescued Celebration are $20 each.  Advance tickets may be purchased at the following Gulfport businesses (available now):  Domain Home Accessories, The Outpost and Reef Dog Gifts & Grooming.  A limited number of tickets will also be available at the door.

For more information on the evening event, visit the Facebook page for Get Rescued Celebration, or contact Mike McCue at (727) 667-7531 or mmccue@igc.org.

Supporters 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. Additionally, donations of merchandise or gift certificates for the silent & live auctions and chance drawings will be appreciated.

Gulfport’s Get Rescued is proudly sponsored/co-sponsored by The Gulfport Merchants Association, the City of Gulfport, Gulfport Chamber of Commerce, La Cote Basque Winehouse, BellaDOG Magazine, BeachLife, Chihuahua Connection Magazine, Get Rescued in Gulfport, Inc, Gulfport! Magazine, Gulfport Patch, Karen’s Florist of Gulfport, The Gabber, Olympus Printing, TradeWinds Island Resorts and many more community sponsors. The daytime event is FREE for the public to attend. For more information, visit www.GulfportMA.com 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 or call 727-322-5217.

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