Howl-O-Ween, the smash hit fundraiser by Franklin’s Friends animal welfare charity, returns to Altamonte for more fun in 2024.
Halloween through the eyes of a dog must be so strange. Everyone around you suddenly looks bizarre and different, the streets teeming with terrifying monsters, and yet they all smell so familiar... What's going on? And why can't I have that chocolate?
Dogs can have fun too this Halloween; visit https://www.franklinsfriends.info
Then again, I guess the world in general must be pretty confusing for dogs. Imagine getting in an elevator without knowing what it is? The doors open, you haven't moved, and yet somehow you've been teleported elsewhere? Spooky!
Still, it is only fair that our canine companies get to enjoy this holiday with us, and I don't just mean by tossing them a cupcake at the Halloween party!
That is why Franklin's Friends, Altamonte's premier animal welfare charity group, is holding their annual Howl-O-Ween event once again this year, an opportunity to get out with your pet and enjoy a fright-filled day of fun!
The Howl-O-Ween event will take place on October 26th, and will feature a walk-a-thon and canine costume contest all to raise money for the Franklin’s Friends organization. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte, and will be emceed for the second year in a row by 98.9 WMMO’s Denise Ryan.
Last year, the event was able to raise nearly $40,000 for the animal welfare services funded by Franklin’s Friends, and the fundraiser for this year’s event has already raised $24,000. Top donors will be eligible to win a number of prize packages, with all funds raised going toward supporting animal welfare organizations across Central Florida.
The event will also feature a Halloween-themed vendor walk offering a wide range of snacks and pet-related goods to the animal lovers who attend. The walk-a-thon will travel through the vendor area and around Cranes Roost Park - a shorter but more accessible walk than last year’s event, encouraging a more leisurely, easygoing environment.
Registration is still open, including a small selection of vendor slots if you have sweet treats to sell. Event entry requires a $25 donation at the door or through online pre-registration; signup for the canine costume contest is free, but must be completed in-person on the day.
So far, Franklin’s Friends has been able to fund 111 animal care facilities, offering nearly $3 million in grant money to those who need it most. Recipients have been responsible for providing free spaying and neutering services, as well as low-cost or free surgeries for pets in need of emergency care.
A spokesperson for the organization adds, “Dogs and cats that don’t have a home need our help now more than ever. In 2021, 357,418 dogs and cats entered Florida shelters — and almost 43,000 of them were euthanized. We help prevent this unnecessary loss of life by awarding animal rescue grants for veterinary care and behavioral training, so they can easily be adopted.”
If you wish to support the Franklin’s Friends organization, but can't make it to the event, you can still donate at the link below or sponsor the event. They are also supported by a 100% volunteer staff and are always taking applications from those dedicated to the cause of animal welfare throughout Central Florida.
To read more about the good work they do or register for the event, visit https://www.franklinsfriends.info
