"Bark for Life" in Watchung Raises Funds for American Cancer Society

More than 25 dogs, along with their human companions, braved the cold of an otherwise beautiful morning on April 25 to take part in “Bark for Life” at Watchung Lake. Sponsored by Mary E. Wilson Memorial Church, the fundraiser for the American Cancer Society raised a total of $5200.
Michael Droege, the church’s Director of Youth and Family Ministry, welcomed the crowd and introduced Brandy Engleburger, from the ACS’s Somerset County office. She thanked the church and the participants for one of the most successful “barks” the ACS has done, and told the group that the money raised in this event would be used to help those with cancer within Somerset County. Watchung Mayor Steve Pote then spoke of the cooperation between the church and the Borough of Watchung that had made this event a success.
After the participants (mostly from Watchung but also from Basking Ridge, Martinsville, Berkeley Heights, Warren, South Plainfield, Greenbrook, and Bridgewater) had signed in and received T-shirts for the humans, and bandannas and goody bags for the dogs, they took off for the 1.1 mile walk around Watchung Lake.
The top fundraising team was Divine Davis Dogs, which raised a total of $1268. Team organizer Pam Davis of Watchung was the top fundraiser, bringing in $1000. Sadly, Pam’s dog Mocha had passed away due to cancer in March.
Watchung resident Lisa Shpunder walked with her daughters, Ashley and Alexis and their dog Tucker. Nine-year-old Alexis had set up a lemonade stand the previous weekend and raised $91 which the family brought to the event.
Even those without dogs took part, including Daniel and Karen Hauck of Watchung and their daughter Emily, who brought two stuffed dogs.
When all the walkers had returned to the starting point, 14 members of the group and six dogs adjourned to Rolf’s Restaurant in Warren to enjoy a “Yappy Hour” of food, games and prizes. Among the games was a version of musical chairs, with the last dog to “sit” in each round being eliminated until a winner was chosen. Prizes were awarded in categories that included largest dog, smallest dog and “Most Stuffed” dog, won by Emily’s pair.
Michael Droege pronounced the event an unqualified success, saying “ It was a great day partnering with the community to help families struggling with this disease. It shows how we can do great things as we partner together. We look forward to doing it next year!”
Wilson Memorial Church is located at 7 Valley Road in Watchung, at the intersection with Hillcrest Road. For more information about the church, visit www.wilsonmemorialchurch.com or call (908) 755-5020.

Captions for Photos:
1 Rev. Barbara Peter and Mayor Steve Pote
2 Michael Droege
3 Coda Possein accepts a donation from Alexis Shpunder as sister Ashley, mom Lisa and Tucker look on
4 Judy Wall (back to camera) signs in as Gwen Mayer, Coda Possein and Pam Davis manage the registration table.
5 Brandy Engleburger from the American Cancer Society addresses the crowd
6 Brandy Engleburer & Watchung Mayor Steve Pote
7 Mayor Steve Pote addresses the crowd
8 Rev. Barbara Peters, Rev. Tom Peters & Jaques
9 Shpunder Family & Tucker
10 Calvin and Jackson Droege & Zoe
11Emily, Daniel and Karen Hauck with their stuffed dogs
12 Pam Davis’ dog -Mocha