Cancer doesn’t stop, and neither do we. This was the sentiment amid gray skies and wet, rainy conditions at the 24th Annual Paws for the Cause Dog Walk, held September 10, 2023 at Fox Chase Cancer Center. The event raised more than $115,000 for cancer research and postdoctoral support at Fox Chase.
With raincoats and rain boots, umbrellas and ponchos, and smiles in spite of the less-than-perfect weather, 200 participants showed their dedication by purchasing raffle tickets, shopping vendor tables, competing in contests, and of course, walking the campus.
Organized by Fox Chase’s Board of Associates with generous support from title sponsor West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc., Paws for the Cause features a one-mile walk around Fox Chase’s Northeast Philadelphia campus. Food, music, children’s activities, contests and prizes, vendor sales, raffles, and more create a family-friendly day.
New for 2023, the event welcomed four new rescue organizations, 12 new sponsors, 10 new vendors, and the Paws Passport to encourage attendees to visit more vendors to earn extra raffle chances. A kick-off event, held in the Fox Chase Cafeteria at teatime earlier this spring, helped get the fundraising going for another successful year.
By the numbers, Paws for the Cause 2023 attracted:
- 200 attendees (399 pre-registrations)
- 26 sponsors – an all-time high!
- 15 vendors
- 5 animal rescue organizations
- 42 volunteers
- 27 raffle baskets
Congratulations are extended to this year’s top fundraisers:
Top Individual Fundraisers
- Tracy Wheaton
- Elaine Spangler
- Arland Hotchkiss
- Josey Stamm
- Elizabeth Whetstine
Top Fundraising Teams
- Team Giampaolo
- Whetstine Lab
- Team Spangler
- Fur Lloyd & Friends
- Unionville HS LaMancha Club
Special congratulations go to Johnathan Whetstine, PhD, and the Whetstine Lab team—repeat winners of the “Stanley Pup” Trophy—awarded to the Fox Chase department that raises the most money for Paws for the Cause each year.
Many thanks are extended to 2023 event chair Lori Giampaolo, patient ambassador Elaine Spangler, physician ambassador Abhishek Aphale, MD, and emcee Sue Serio of Fox 29, as well as to all who offered their support by leading and joining teams, donating funds, purchasing raffle tickets, sharing photos of your pets and families on social media, and bringing so much enthusiasm to this much-loved Fox Chase tradition.
Since its first year, Paws for the Cause has raised more than $965,000 for cancer research at Fox Chase Cancer Center. See more pictures from this year’s event in Fox Chase’s Flickr album.