Northport Animal Sanctuary Still Seeks Recruits For 10K Run

NORTHPORT, NY — Days after a Northport goat made headlines by "helping" his caretakers sweep up his pen, the animal sanctuary wants people to know they're still seeking recruits to join their fundraising team.

Video of the goat Oreo sweeping up at the Lewis Oliver Farm Sanctuary on July 20 has garnered nearly 4,000 views. The 8-year-old goat, known for causing mischief, grabbed a push-broom and did his best to pitch in when volunteer Lenore Mamarella started sweeping around the farm.

Volunteers had hoped the video would inspire members of the community to sign up in droves to run in the Cow Harbor 10K or the family-friendly mile fun-run. The purpose: raise much-needed money to cover the farm's animal care expenses.

The race has thousands of participants every year, and the farm told Patch many among them know the farm and might be willing to join the team, dedicating their run to the animals.

The farm costs about $100,000 a year to operate, the farm told Patch. But so far, organizers have raised just $350 out of a $30,000 goal for "Team Annabelle," named after a cow on the farm, according to an online tracker for the fundraiser. Just a half-dozen people have joined the team — all of whom are already farm volunteers.

As such, the farm is renewing its call for recruits — anyone interested in joining must register on The Great Cow Harbor 10k Run website. Once registered, recruits can click here to join Team Annabelle & Friends and help raise money for the animals of the Lewis Oliver Farm Sanctuary.

All donations to the farm are tax-deductible and proceeds will help cover the animals' feed, hay, bedding, veterinarian care and other care-related expenses.