Paws For Brittany Fun Run/Dog Walk Raises $10,000 for Pet Shelter

Marshfield Area Pet Shelter Event in Memory of Brittany Zimmermann Celebrates Fifth Year

OnFocus – Paws For Brittany, a fun run and dog walk in memory of animal-lover Brittany Zimmermann, took place on May 12 at Wildwood Park in Marshfield. Funds raised from this event will help care for homeless animals found in the community Brittany grew up in and will help many animals that she adored.

“Kevin and I want to thank everyone for coming out today,” said Brittany’s mom, Jean Zimmermann. “This is our fifth year and I see faces here that I’ve seen all five years and that’s amazing. It’s been ten years since Brittany has been gone and it’s still a very difficult time for Kevin and I but things like this really do make a huge difference in our lives.”

A Marshfield native, Brittany was attending UW-Madison when she was brutally attacked and murdered on April 2, 2008. The crime remains unsolved. Her parents, Kevin and Jean, take some comfort in caring for Brittany’s three beloved cats, Marvin, Felix and Boo.

On May 12, more than 220 people (plus their dogs) participated in the 5th Annual Paws For Brittany event. MAPS President Karen Rau, and Jean, spoke at the event, with Pastor Daryn Bahn, of Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, leading the group in prayer before the run/walk. Insurance Service Agency also presented a $1,000 check to the organization.

Sporting bright green event shirts, runners and walkers traversed the path around the upper pond, past buffalo, elk, wolves and other wildlife. New to the event this year was a 50/50 raffle. After the walk, participants enjoyed food and raffle basket drawings. This year’s event raised $10,000, which will assist with MAPS’ day-to-day operating costs.

“We are so happy to see the community come out to support our animals and the Zimmermann family,” said Rau. “Brittany was a part of our community and to see so many people at our event to remember her and raise money to help homeless animals is truly inspiring.”

Sponsors for the event included Badger Title, Central State Supply Corporation, Century 21 Goldkey Realty, Castlerock Veterinary Hospital, Chips Hamburgers, Dog Star Resort, Dakota Electric, Forward Bank, Great Outdoors Landscaping, Insurance Service Center, Mabeus Dental Office, Marshfield Wilbert Vault Works, Premier Printing, Schmidtke Cleaning Services, Staab Construction, Team Schierl Companies, Thrivent Financial, Weiler Convenience Stores, WDLB/WOSQ, Wheelers’ Chevrolet GMC, Wildwood Animal Hospital & Clinic, Wisconsin Homes.

Marshfield Area Pet Shelter is currently operating out of a temporary shelter on West 29th Street, in the former airport terminal. They also host open hours at their Adoption Center in Marshfield Mall. Volunteers and donations are always welcome.

Please visit www.PawsforBrittany.com for more information.

 

-Submitted by Marshfield Area Pet Shelter