Vermilion fundraiser features costumes, contests and prizes
VERMILION — Cat lovers will take over downtown Vermilion later this month as Friendship Animal Protective League hosts its third annual Crazy Cat Crawl, combining entertainment, friendly competition and fundraising to support animals in need.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, with activities running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout downtown Vermilion.
Participants must be at least 21 years old.
The fundraiser will feature cat-themed activities, games, contests and stops at participating downtown establishments.
According to Friendship APL, tickets include an event T-shirt, wristband and personalized passport that participants can use as they visit participating bars.
At each stop, participants will receive a custom cat sticker to add to their passports.
Contests and activities planned
The event will feature several competitions, including a Crazy Cat Costume Contest, a “Purr” Pong Tournament and cat trivia.
Participants can compete for prizes while supporting the nonprofit animal shelter.
Registration for the costume contest and tournament must be completed when purchasing tickets.
Check-in will take place at Garage Bar & Grill in downtown Vermilion. Unlike previous years, the event will not have a designated final gathering location.
The organization reports that its inaugural Crazy Cat Crawl raised $10,000 to support animals in its care.
Proceeds from this year’s event will also benefit Friendship APL, a nonprofit humane society based in Elyria that provides shelter, veterinary care and adoption services for animals throughout Lorain County.
Tickets and additional event information are available at friendshipapl.org.
More opportunities to help animals
Friendship APL is also participating in several community activities this month.
On Thursday, Oct. 15, foster kittens will join participants for Pawsitively Purrfect Cat Yoga at Grafton-Midview Public Library.
The program will run from 6–7 p.m. and allow adults to participate in a yoga class while meeting kittens in the organization’s foster program.
Participants are asked to bring a yoga mat or beach towel. Registration is required, and the library currently lists the event as having a waiting list.
Friendship APL will also hold a foster orientation from 6:30–7:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at its Elyria shelter.
The session will introduce prospective foster families to the responsibilities of temporarily caring for animals and explain the support available through the organization.
Friendship APL relies on volunteers and foster families to provide temporary homes and care for animals awaiting adoption.
Additional information about upcoming events, volunteering, fostering and adoption opportunities is available at www.friendshipapl.org.