T-Shirt Fundraiser in Honor of Paws For Brittany Event Raises $1,000

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Paws for Brittany Shirt

Annual MAPS Fundraiser Celebrated Virtually

Marshfield (OnFocus) – Marshfield Area Pet Shelter’s (MAPS) annual Paws for Brittany event in memory of animal lover Brittany Zimmermann normally takes place on Mother’s Day weekend. Due to COVID-19, the popular fun run and dog walk event was cancelled, but dozens of people participated virtually.

“Though we couldn’t have the event this year due to COVID-19, we worked with local print and apparel shop Premier Printing to design a one-of-a-kind event t-shirt,” said Karen Rau, MAPS Executive Director. “That way, we could all still feel united as we celebrated Brittany’s life. Though we were separated this year, we hope that it brings some comfort to the Zimmermann family knowing people throughout the area are still walking in Brittany’s honor.”

Premier Printing’s Lindsey Rasmussen with MAPS check

Proceeds from the t-shirt sale raised $1,022 to support day-to-day operations at MAPS. While Paws for Brittany normally fundraises more than $10,000, Rau is just happy that something positive was able to take place even if the event couldn’t be held.

“Every dollar helps and will be put to good use to help local animals,” she said. “We’re so thankful to everyone who bought a t-shirt and donated to the cause in Brittany’s memory.”

Zimmermann was killed on April 2, 2008 in her downtown Madison apartment. A Marshfield native, she was a 21 year-old UW-Madison student majoring in Medical Microbiology and Immunology. She lived with her fiancée and their three cats in the 500 block of West Doty Street. After twelve years of investigations, earlier this year, David A. Kahl, a 53 year-old male, was charged in Dane County Circuit Court with First Degree Intentional Homicide (as party to a crime and by use of a dangerous weapon).

Brittany was an avid animal lover and advocate. Bringing comfort to Brittany’s parents, Kevin and Jean Zimmermann, are Brittany’s three beloved cats: Marvin, Felix, and Boo.

“We have chosen MAPS to keep Brittany’s memory alive because animals were such a huge part of her life,” said Jean. “She supported many shelters herself, so it made perfect sense for us to continue this.”

MAPS is expected to move into their new facility on Downwind Drive this summer. The community cat room at the shelter is dedicated to Brittany.

“We are encouraging people to support, first and foremost, MAPS, as we need this shelter to help all the animals who are abandoned and need care,” said Jean. “Secondly, to remember a girl who had a passion for animals and was taken from us far too soon.”

Donate to MAPS via this link: www.marshfieldpetshelter.org/donate

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News Desk
Author: News Desk

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