When health issues meant that Wilma Spike could no longer take such an active role in the annual work of the charity, new leadership and other changes to the board enabled her to reduce her role in planning the event. Still involved, she would provide input, advice and some limited oversight as things went forward.
Founder Wilma Spike passed away in September. The Ocean Shores Woof-a-thon is a legacy she leaves behind that her son obviously wanted protected and nurtured. “I helped my mother plan the Woof-a-thon from the very beginning. I have been a board member, handled social media, email marketing, print materials and helped at the event itself. I even wrote the bylaws and articles of incorporation for the non-profit.”
With a few mishaps, the event has continued and we were thrilled to be able to provide funding to our charitable organizations for last year – Harbor Rescue, Ocean Shores Food Bank, North Beach Paws, West Coast Search Dogs of Washington, and PAWS of Grays Harbor. Of course, we'd always love to provide more. “These organizations do great work in the community and we're so pleased to be able to support them, among others,” says Spike. He gathered the current board as well as former members and offered to take over as president for the time being. He plans to put his experience and talents running a non-profit organization, along with his personal knowledge of the Woof-a-thon to work to get everything running smoothly again.
Planning for the 8/2019 event and preceding pieces is already underway with the new board including Patrick Spike as President, Jan Guertin as Secretary, Donna Preston as Treasurer and Mike Preston as Vice President, with Sandy Harley as an advisor. The organization also plans to re-invigorate former projects such as their garage sale over Memorial Day weekend.
Treasurer Donna Preston comments, “What we absolutely need is more help. We'd like to add additional board members with ties to the community as well as volunteers to help with planning and operating of events. We spread out the work and make it fun for all, while raising money for amazing organizations.” If you're interested in helping, visit www.oceanshoreswoofathon.org for details or contact them directly at woofathonevent@gmail.com.
“Over the years the Ocean Shores Woof-a-thon has raised about $65,000 for animal related charities in this community. This is a rare thing to have in an area like this. I hope more people will join us in the fun and the fundraising,” says Spike. As my mom always said, 'It's the most fun day of the year for you and your dog.'”
Founder Wilma Spike passed away in September. The Ocean Shores Woof-a-thon is a legacy she leaves behind that her son obviously wanted protected and nurtured. “I helped my mother plan the Woof-a-thon from the very beginning. I have been a board member, handled social media, email marketing, print materials and helped at the event itself. I even wrote the bylaws and articles of incorporation for the non-profit.”
With a few mishaps, the event has continued and we were thrilled to be able to provide funding to our charitable organizations for last year – Harbor Rescue, Ocean Shores Food Bank, North Beach Paws, West Coast Search Dogs of Washington, and PAWS of Grays Harbor. Of course, we'd always love to provide more. “These organizations do great work in the community and we're so pleased to be able to support them, among others,” says Spike. He gathered the current board as well as former members and offered to take over as president for the time being. He plans to put his experience and talents running a non-profit organization, along with his personal knowledge of the Woof-a-thon to work to get everything running smoothly again.
Planning for the 8/2019 event and preceding pieces is already underway with the new board including Patrick Spike as President, Jan Guertin as Secretary, Donna Preston as Treasurer and Mike Preston as Vice President, with Sandy Harley as an advisor. The organization also plans to re-invigorate former projects such as their garage sale over Memorial Day weekend.
Treasurer Donna Preston comments, “What we absolutely need is more help. We'd like to add additional board members with ties to the community as well as volunteers to help with planning and operating of events. We spread out the work and make it fun for all, while raising money for amazing organizations.” If you're interested in helping, visit www.oceanshoreswoofathon.org for details or contact them directly at woofathonevent@gmail.com.
“Over the years the Ocean Shores Woof-a-thon has raised about $65,000 for animal related charities in this community. This is a rare thing to have in an area like this. I hope more people will join us in the fun and the fundraising,” says Spike. As my mom always said, 'It's the most fun day of the year for you and your dog.'”
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