February, 2021 - It may have been virtual, but Pet Rock Fest continued in 2020 with its 22nd annual festival, and was able to raise funds for deserving animal welfare charities throughout New England. Once again, the nonprofit animal welfare organization has awarded donations to several animal welfare charities.
While unable to award as substantial an amount as previous years, with proceeds from its 2020 festival, Pet Rock Fest presented donations to several organizations.
Among those awarded donations were Worcester Animal Rescue League, Boston Vegetarian Society, CMDART, MSPCA, KIND News/RedRover, Unity Farm Sanctuary, Merrimack River Feline Sanctuary and Dog Orphans, with more to be named throughout the year.
“We’re incredibly pleased that we were at least able to continue with a version of the festival this past year,” said Founding Partner Charlene Arsenault. “Was it ideal? No, but everyone made and is making sacrifices, with events such as this having to take a different approach. Pet Rock Fest continues its mission of educating people about animal welfare issues and promoting kindness, but had to do this virtually. It worked. We had lots of support, from vendors to sponsors to the many animal welfare organizations who normally attend our fest.”
Founding Partner Jeannie Hebert adds, “It has been a challenging year for man and beast, to coin a phrase!” says Pet Rock Partner, Jeannie Hebert. “Going virtual with the Pet Rock Fest was necessary, and we made the best of it. We were not able to raise the funds we normally do, but glad we were able to share with those selfless organizations that our animal friends rely upon. I would like to remind you that giving goes on all year. Please visit www.petrockfest.org to donate and continue the love and support.”
Members of the Pet Rock Fest team choose the beneficiaries after researching the work and reputation, as well as the impact on the welfare of animals in the New England area, of the ultimately-chosen organizations. We’re fortunate that the New England area has so many animal welfare organizations, rescues and shelters doing this outstanding work. Pet Rock Fest gives its proceeds to worthy animal related charities that support a variety of causes, from shelters to law reform to sanctuaries for farm animals.
Pet Rock Fest has also supported several reward funds in local animal cruelty cases that aid in finding perpetrators of that cruelty, and has also paid for medical bills for pet guardians who were unable to afford it.
The 23rd annual Pet Rock Festival is planned for Sunday, Sept. 12, from noon to 5 p.m. at Wyman Gordon in North Grafton.
Celebrating more than 20 years, Pet Rock Fest is the largest event of its kind in the Northeast, an annual festival that promotes kindness to animals and responsible pet ownership. Pet Rock Fest, held in September each year, is a family festival that features guest speakers, vegetarian food, live music, games, events, a raffle, vendors, and hundreds of area animal welfare organizations. Pet Rock is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. Donations are tax deductible.
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If you’d like more information, visit www.petrockfest.org.