'Walk And Wag' Brings Families Together One Dog At A Time In Glenview

GLENVIEW, IL — Dogs, of course, need daily walks. The third annual Walk and Wag event, scheduled for July 22, is a great opportunity to get your canine some exercise while also helping a good cause.

According to Alison Schulte, Friends of Youth Services board member, "hard work, collaboration and commitment" have been the keys to making the fundraiser for Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook a success. Youth Services, based in Glenview, provides mental health support for children and adolescents in the community.

"We’re lucky in that both sponsors and walkers that participate return at a very high rate, enabling us to grow year over year," Schulte told Patch. "And in the end, when the last walkers have gone home, you can’t beat that feeling of satisfaction knowing that all had a great time and we were successful in raising funds for this very important purpose."

The Walk and Wag community event will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. There will live entertainment, giveaways, an Orphans of the Storm adoption event and other fun-filled activities for both pets and children. Participants are encouraged to dress their pet up — prizes will be awarded for best costumes.

Proceeds from the event will directly benefit Youth Services, the organization that serves more than 1,800 local children each year in Glenview, Northbrook, Evanston, Wilmette, Highland Park, Niles, Wheeling, Arlington Heights, Lake Forest and beyond.

According to Schulte, the agency has the "most generous sliding scale and scholarship program in the area" which ensures no child is ever turned away from their critical services based on ability to pay.

"This event in particular is near and dear to our hearts because it brings families together to enjoy a walk outdoors — no screens, no teams — simply enjoying time together. In a way, supporting families on a broader scale," Schulte said.

The walk begins at Willowcreek Community Church North Shore, 2200 Shermer Road, Glenview, and will go along the sidewalk on Shermer to West Lake, west to Youth Services, then back to Willowcreek. Entry fee is only $20 per pet, with proceeds from the event directly benefiting Youth Services.

Last month, Friends of Youth Services held its inaugural fashion show fundraiser. The show featured the work of students from Glenbrook South and Glenbrook North.

"Coming off the heels of our successful fashion show, we’re delighted to present another family friendly activity to benefit the community and the kids at Youth Services," board member Sandy Brennan said. "Come out and spend the morning with us — what better way to start the day than with family and our furry friends."

The mission of Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook is to foster the social and emotional well-being of all children and youth and does so through individual and group work, youth development programs, crisis response, education support, prevention work, school partnerships, and focused LBGTQ+ youth programs.

"Youth Services helps kids across the entire North Shore," Schulte said. "Getting involved with the organization helps make our communities stronger by extending a helping hand to our youth and our future."

To learn more and to register for the event, visit here.

RELATED: Inaugural Friends Of Youth Services Fashion Show Coming to Glenview