BluePath Service Dogs Hosts Second Annual Walkathon on May 19

Yorktown Heights, N.Y. (April 16, 2018) – On Saturday, May 19, BluePath Service Dogs will host their second annual walkathon at FDR State Park in Yorktown Heights. The family-friendly fundraiser, held from 10:00am to 2:00pm, will raise funds in support of BluePath's mission to provide autism service dogs, offering safety, companionship and opportunities for independence.

The walkathon is open to all ages and begins in Lot 4 of FDR State Park. Walkers can choose between a 1.7 mile or 3 mile loop. Kids will be entertained with a variety of activities including a bouncy house, lawn games and face painting. Friendly dogs are welcome on leashes 6' or shorter. Attendees also have the opportunity to meet the puppies of BluePath and learn more about how the nonprofit is unlocking life's potential for children and families touched by autism.

According to the Autism Society, more than 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder. It is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States, with a 119.4 percent increase in diagnoses from 2000 (1 in 150) to today (1 in 68).

“Many children with autism exhibit bolting or wandering behaviors, which can make trips outside the home a frightening proposition,” said BluePath President and CEO Jody Sandler. “BluePath dogs are connected to children via a specially designed tether system and trained to ‘anchor’ in response to a child bolting. This immediate, emotionless reaction keeps the child safe – and often helps to reduce or eliminate the bolting behavior.”

BluePath dogs significantly reduce parents’ safety concerns and help children to lead fuller lives. Reduced stress, improved sleeping routines, and more meaningful social interactions can allow families to feel a renewed sense of hope and empowerment.

“We all know the signs by now… the statistics are so alarmingly high that we are all affected in some way and connected somehow to an individual with autism,” said Tricia Zarro, BluePath’s Board Chair. “Our family’s autism service dog has meant my son’s journey is full of more joy, more safety and more social experiences then I could have ever imagined. Join BluePath and make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.”

BluePath recently completed its first full year of operation, with a focus on building a world-class brand, engaging passionate supporters, establishing a robust Puppy Raising Program, and creating a vast network of volunteers and industry partners.

“The majority of our work was accomplished through thousands of hours of volunteer time,” noted Sandler. “Our first annual walkathon attracted almost 400 participants and raised more than $80,000 to support our mission. We look forward to another successful fundraiser this year and encourage all those interested in BluePath’s life-changing work to get involved.”

BluePath’s second annual walkathon has gained major support from the following sponsors:

Presenting Sponsor: Croton Lions Club

Platinum Sponsors: AvalonBay Communities, CLG Construction, Co-Communications, Elite Carriers, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, and the Shrub Oak International School

Gold Sponsors: D’Gabby Fine French Restaurant, The Neva and Howard Goldstein Family Charitable Fund, G.S. Bounce, Hudson Valley Men's Adult Baseball League, NexGuard / Heartguard, Quinn Law Firm, Peekskill Rotary Club, State Farm - Ken Lemenze, Team Michelangelo, and Volz Auto

Silver Sponsor: Animal Specialty Center, Au Pair in America, City of Rye Police Association, Hudson Financial Group - Deborah Becker, Hudson Highlands Veterinary Medical Group, Kolmar Americas Inc., Middletown Veterinary Hospital, Taconic Route 202 24 Hour Veterinary Center, Women's Eagles 1042, and The Westchester Bank

Walkathon registration includes a BluePath event t-shirt. Adult walkers are $30; children under 13 years old are $20. Visit www.bluepathservicedogs.org to learn more or register. Those unable to participate on May 19 also have the option to support walkers with an online donation or become a virtual walker with a personalized fundraising page. Sponsorship opportunities are still available; for more information, contact Erica Stanzione at 914-804-4023 or erica.stanzione@bluepathservicedogs.org.

BluePath Service Dogs, Inc. is located at 8 Country Club Road in Hopewell Junction. They can be reached at 845-377-0477 or by visiting www.bluepathservicedogs.org. For the latest news and updates, follow @BluePathServiceDogs on Facebook and @BluePathDogs on Instagram.

About BluePath Service Dogs, Inc.

BluePath Service Dogs, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2016 to provide autism service dogs, offering safety, companionship and opportunities for independence. The organization transforms lives by providing families with expanded opportunities to unlock life’s potential. BluePath receives no government funding and relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to fulfill its mission. For more information, visit www.bluepathservicedogs.org. Follow BluePath on Facebook at www.facebook.org/bluepathservicedogs.

Photo Caption: BluePath Service Dogs will host their second annual walkathon on Saturday, May 19 at FDR State Park in Yorktown Heights to raise funds in support of the nonprofit’s mission to provide autism service dogs, offering safety, companionship and opportunities for independence.

Photo Caption: BluePath founders Michelle Brier, Vice President of Marketing & Development; Caroline McCabe-Sandler, Vice President of Training Programs; and Jody Sandler, President and CEO; with Erica Stanzione, Director of Marketing and Development; and BluePath service dog in training Benni.

Photo Caption: BluePath’s first annual walkathon raised more than $80,000 to support the nonprofit’s life-changing mission