Roswell Resident Raises Money for PugFest 2011

They're cute and lovable, but on Saturday, Oct. 29, Pugs throughout the metro-area will get gussied up to have fun for a good cause during PugFest 2011.

PugFest, the Southeast Pug Rescue & Adoption’s (SEPRA) biggest fundraiser of the year, raises funds for rescued pugs and pug mixes alike and is typically attended by approximately 1,500 people and 700 pugs.

Roswell resident Randi Tucker is currently collecting silent auction items from local shops and restaurants to help with the cause and to honor her pug Willow - a SEPRA adoption - who passed away in February. After “Walking for Willow” at the PugWalk fundraiser in May, “Washing for Willow” at the charity dog wash at Red Bandanna in June, and “Wining and Dining for Willow” at the On the Border dinner fundraiser in August, Tucker is soliciting silent auction items to raise more money in Willow’s memory.  

“It’s so wonderful to have community support for SEPRA. We reply on and appreciate partners like Red Bandanna and On the Border that help us raise money all year long, and now we are counting on local merchants to pitch in, too and donate merchandise that we can auction off at PugFest, our biggest fundraiser of the year," she said. "Roswell stores like Pet Fancy and have always participated in the past and we are hoping for a successful silent auction again, at PugFest 2011.”

PugFest 2011, will bring out hundreds of pugs and their owners. After a pug parade with rescued pet introductions at 12:30 p.m., the contests begin.

The "best of" contests include: oldest pug, farthest-traveled pug, curliest tail, most wrinkles, most gray, best kisser, best trick, most unique pug mix and longest tongue. At approximately 2 p.m., canines - and some humans too - will don scary, crazy and cute outfits for one of the fundraiser’s most anticipated events - the costume contest. The costume contest has two categories—homemade and store-bought. Many of the entrants for the homemade costumes have spent the entire year since the last PugFest painstakingly creating costumes that come complete with various props and/or elaborate backgrounds/scenery.   

Though many people enjoy the contests the best, the silent auction, raffles, bake sale, professional pet pictures, pet grooming and other fundraising opportunities are not to be overlooked. 

From collecting any old cell phones (no accessories or chargers) and empty, brand name inkjet cartridges, to providing pugs for a kissing booth, SEPRA and its volunteers do everything possible to raise money at PugFest.   

In addition to the fun and fundraising, PugFest also features vendors with items for purchase for both the pugs and pug owners. Vendors offer art, apparel, accessories, autographed books, embroidery, elevated food and water bowls, treats, toys and so much more.

If it’s for a pug or it has a pug on it, one can find it at PugFest! Visit the SEPRA website and click on the “Pugfest” tab for a full list of vendors.

Although PugFest welcomes all pets under 35 pounds and over four months old, with current rabies shots, no adoptions or pug sales will be allowed at PugFest.  Humans should keep their pugs on a harness or leash at all times and bring water, blankets and chairs to the event. To donate items or services to the event, call Tucker at 404-432-6680.

PugFest, which costs $8 per adult and $4 for children under 12 (no charge for pugs and other small pets), runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and will be held at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway.

Several nearby, pet-friendly hotels offer lodging specials for PugFest attendees. For a complete list and contact information, please visit SEPRA’s website. For more information on SEPRA, PugFest or the vendors, visit the website, email info@rescuepug.com or call 770-887-9741.