The most golden day of the year is coming up at the Lee Health Sports Complex – Hammond Stadium. GoldenFest XV, hosted by Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida, is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.
The event draws hundreds of participants, many of them with canine companions. GoldenFest includes goldens galore, plus law enforcement K-9s, live music, food and drink, product and service vendors, pictures with Santa, a face painter, a caricature artist, raffles, a silent auction, a rescue alumni tent, first responder exhibits and the Calendar Girls dance troupe.
“GoldenFest is the largest dog-focused event of the year in Southwest Florida,” said GRRSWF President and GoldenFest XV manager Dennis Guyitt. “This year it is bigger than ever, with new and returning activities for dogs, their humans and kids. We’ll have fan-favorites like dock diving and agility demonstrations, live music, first responders, over 100 vendors, even a Golden Petting Corral, plus much more. It’s a day like no other for dog lovers.”
“GoldenFest is not only the largest animal-related event in our community, it is also an absolute blast! There will be a sea of goldens and plenty of wet kisses, so please come and enjoy a free, fun-filled, golden day with your best friend, your family and your kids. It promises to be unforgettable,” added Cliff Smith, chairman of the GRRSWF Fundraising Committee.
The event is open to other nonprofit rescue organizations, area shelters and humane societies at no cost. GoldenFest doesn’t just unite dog lovers in the community. It also serves as the primary fundraiser for the organization, which was founded in 2009 and has rescued more than 1,400 dogs.
“In the eyes of a golden retriever awaiting rescue, we see not just a dog, but a life teetering on the edge of despair, abandoned, surrendered or shelter-bound, facing euthanasia or the cruelty of unfit hands,” said Alesia Galuppo, the rescue’s founder and vice president. “Our mission is their lifeline: We embrace them fully, healing every emotional wound and meeting every medical need, no matter the cost, until we place them in their loving, perfect forever home. Because every dog deserves a second chance, and in saving them, we restore faith in humanity’s heart.”
Sponsors are: Enterprise Mobility, Subaru of Fort Myers, Wild Blue Charitable Neighbors, Cameo of Lee County, Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral, Kingfisher Real Estate, Fabri-Tech, Speaking of Pets Podcast, Hancock Animal Hospital, Hollywood Feed, Duckberry Designs, Florida Restoration, FETCH Specialty and Emergency Veterinary Centers, Tommy’s Express Car Wash, Deck the Paws, Bay Street Yard, LCEC, United Way Beesley’s Pawprints, Flight Fast Track, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Sun Harvest Citrus, FineMark National Bank and Trust, Wintrust Bank, Blue Pearl Pet Hospital, Scent Hound, Florida Blue Medicare, Naples Feng Shui, Scoop Soldiers, Aussie Pet Mobile, Visionary Vet Services, Advanced Physical Therapy of Venice, Local Anonymous Family Foundation, The Burruss Foundation, Gunterberg Charitable Foundation – Brotherhood of Heroes, Leslie Alexander Foundation, Liz and Jack Donehower, Barbara J. Siebert, David and Linda Lucas, Susan Matthews, Margaret Manda, Stacy and John Berteau, John Rushing and Chris Curshellas, Tim Auman & Edward Jones, Jeff Cull & Ella Nayor, Roxanne & Cliff Smith, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lee County, Gulfcoast News, Bratty Paws, South Trail Fire Department, Backyard and Tap, Becky Lappin, and The Breeze Newspapers.
All breeds of well-mannered, leashed dogs — especially golden retrievers — are invited to attend with their owners. Admission and parking are free. There will be wading pools, treats, tennis balls and water for the dogs.
For more information, visit https://grrswf.org/goldenfest, email info@grrswf.org or call 239-369-0415.
