This year’s dog walk, a legacy of the Music Industry program at the State University of New York at Fredonia to help raise money for the Institute for Autism Research at Canisius College, will sport an Avengers’ theme, “Lend a Paw for Autism: K9 Avengers.”
The Sunday, April 14 walk will feature six Avenger-themed games that will challenge participants to collect all six infinity stones. A Captain America shield toss, Iron-man versus Captain Ameirca tic-tac-toe and a Marvel puzzle are among the games. Participants will also have the unique opportunity to meet and take photos with Marvel Avengers characters.
Registration will be held at the Lake Shore Savings Bank clock tower, near the Central Avenue entrance, beginning at 11 a.m. The walk will take place along Ring Road, beginning at noon. An after-party, offering food, games, raffle baskets and live performances by local artists, will be staged at the amphitheater, located between Reed Library and Maytum Hall, until 4 p.m.
“This event has been well anticipated, as it has become a favorite in the local community,” said Justina Race, events coordinator of HAIL! Fredonia Records, the Music Industry’s student-run record label.
“Lend A Paw for Autism” dog walks have raised over $8,000 for the Institute for Autism Research, an interdisciplinary collaborative research center dedicated to understanding autism spectrum disorder and enhancing the lives of those affected and their families.
“Every dollar raised from the walk will further fund research, treatments and education,” Ms. Race said.
The Music Industry program has put on a variety of charity events over the years, raising over $50,000 to benefit local organizations. In 2016, its record label released a single, “Not So Different,” featuring members of the Goo Goo Dolls and 10,000 Maniacs, which raised $25,000.
Students and community members can register for the dog walk at the Fredonia Ticket Office, located in the Williams Center on the Fredonia campus. Registration forms can also be found online on the ticket office’s website: www.fredonia.edu/tickets. Registration can also be completed by calling the ticket office, 673-3501.