Marion K9 Project to aid Humane Society
After raising $42,700 in 2022 to benefit K9 units for both of Marion County’s law enforcement agencies, organizers of the Marion K9 Project are back at it this year. This time, though, the organization that will benefit from their efforts and the community’s generosity is the Marion Area Humane Society.
Marion K9 Project founder Jill Chitwood, owner of Sights Unseen Travel and member of the Marion Business Builders Chapter of BNI, said she was encouraged by the success of last year’s fundraising initiative and family fun day.
“We were able to give the (Marion County Sheriff ’s Office) $20,500 and we gave the (Marion Police Department) $22,200,” Chitwood said. “There were a couple of smaller fundraisers (sale of Tshirts) that people did on behalf of the police department so that money went directly to them and helped their amount go up a little more. But it was a great time. We were really happy to see all the support.”
Chitwood said Marion County Sheriff Matt Bayles and Marion Police Chief Jay Mcdonald informed her that both K9 units are in a good position and didn’t need the fundraising event this year. So, she chose the Marion Area Humane Society as the beneficiary because of the great need the organization has that she’s witnessed firsthand.
“I wanted to keep the money going to a K9 organization of some sort,” Chitwood said. “My daughter happened to be working at the Humane Society at the time of my decision and she was always telling me about all the things out there that needed done, so I decided to go ahead and give the money to the Humane Society because they have so many upgrades that they need for the dogs, the building, and they don’t get as much attention as some of the other organizations in town.”
Chitwood said she has great admiration for the work that Shelter Manager Payton Tiell and her staff do at the Humane Society.
“Those girls who work in the office and back in the kennels they work so hard, and for not a lot of money, either,” she said. “They do it for the love of the animals. Anything we can do to help them out, I’m happy to be able to do it.”
This year, the Marion K9 Project is hosting its annual family fun day and cornhole tournament on the campus of Marion Preparatory Academy, 1001 Mount Vernon Ave. The event is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 13.
In addition to the cornhole tournament, activities include a craft show, car show, the opportunity to meet former
Ohio State and NFL football stars, demonstrations by local law enforcement K9 units, plus inflatables for the kids and six food trucks serving a variety of dishes.
Food trucks confirmed so far include Coffee and Crumb Cafe, Joe’s Grub Hub, Pop’n & Roll’n, and Smash Street Burgers and More.
Former Green Bay Packers star Vince
Workman and former Ohio State Buckeyes Jamal Luke and Jimmie Bell will be at the fun day, she said.
Registration for the cornhole tournament is $50 per team, if completed by Friday, May 12. The fee is $60 for teams that register on the day of the tournament. Chitwood said there is space for 32 teams, but more may be added if the need arises. To register, contact Chitwood at 740-262-6891.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three teams in the cornhole tournament. The first-place team will receive a trophy and a set of cornhole boards and bags courtesy of Henry Lumber.
Chitwood said the craft show will feature a wide range of items, including flower arrangements, ornaments, blankets, wood items, crochet items, accessories, and animal treats, to name a few. A 10-foot by 10-foot space can be rented for $50. Vendors who would like to be part of the show can contact Nicki Jones at 740-360-8728 or email nakita99@gmail.com.
Chitwood said she is still finalizing the details for the car show and information will be posted on the Marion K9 Project Facebook page when it becomes available.
Chitwood said anyone interested in supporting the Marion K9 Project can contact her at 740-262-6891 or go to the Marion K9 Project page on Facebook.
Email: ecarter@gannett.com | Twitter: @Andrewaccarter