Marysville Bark For Life sets goal of $5K

MARYSVILLE — Last year’s Bark For Life at Asbery Field drew at least 60 dogs and raised an estimated $3,000 for the Marysville Tulalip Relay For Life, so organizers are aiming to raise at least $5,000 this year, with a target of about 80 dogs for Saturday, May 17.

By Kirk Boxleitner • May 16, 2014 6:32 pm
Stephanie Earling won the smallest dog contest at last year's Bark For Life for her Chihuahua Cricket
Stephanie Earling won the smallest dog contest at last year's Bark For Life for her Chihuahua Cricket

MARYSVILLE — Last year’s Bark For Life at Asbery Field drew at least 60 dogs and raised an estimated $3,000 for the Marysville Tulalip Relay For Life, so organizers are aiming to raise at least $5,000 this year, with a target of about 80 dogs for Saturday, May 17.

Organizer Christine Ingram has been with the event since it started four years ago, before they added features such as dog activities and a “hot dog pool.”

As always, this year’s Bark For Life kicks off with the National Anthem and the Marysville Naval Junior ROTC Color Guard at 9 a.m. and wraps up around noon.

“I really enjoy seeing so many people coming together for such an important reason,” said Ingram, who lost her mother to colon cancer seven years ago and two of her coworkers to cancer this year. “We need to find a cure for cancer, and anything we can raise helps out big time. Plus, I just enjoy seeing all the dogs.”

Ingram still finds it difficult to speak in public about those who have been lost to cancer.

“It brings up so many memories of why it is so important to me to finish the fight,” Ingram said. “The pain is still so fresh. As hard as it is to speak about it at each Bark For Life, it’s very rewarding to know the steps being taken by the American Cancer Society are helping so many people. I want to save people from the pain of losing a family member, a friend, a coworker or anyone else.”

Ingram expressed her gratitude to Bark For Life’s sponsors, Whidbey Island Bank and Smokey Point Masonry, as well as a new sponsor this year, Hetland Creek Farm.

“Bark For Life is made possible with the awesome help of the community,” Ingram said. “Marysville has been very wonderful to our event.”

Ingram also thanked the Marysville/Tulalip Relay For Life Committee and volunteers, including Kristin Banfield, Karen Brand and Jennifer Ward.

“A huge thanks to all the families who sacrifice their time so that their family members can help run this event,” Ingram said.

Participants can register on the day of the event. For more information, log onto www.facebook.com/BarkForLifeMarysville.