East Coast VPI K9K Event Raises $8,000 for Pet Cancer Research

On April 25, the second annual East Coast VPI K9K Pet Cancer Awareness Walk saw plenty of smiles and wagging tails despite a steady rain that fell over the New York City area. The 4-kilometer charity event was an opportunity for pet owners and their furry friends to spend time together while raising money for the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF).

“It was really great to see dedicated pet lovers turn out on such a rainy day,” said Grant Biniasz, VPI senior corporate communications specialist. “But we know from experience how dedicated our policyholders are and how they feel about donating their time and resources to this great cause. A little rain isn’t going to stop them.”

After opening words from New York radio personality (and owner of a pet cancer survivor) Scott Shannon, VPI CEO Dennis Drent presented an $8,000 check to the ACF. Then, to the strains of “How Much Is That Doggy in the Window” playing over the P.A. system, 109 K9K human participants started off with their canines for a round-trip walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

The VPI K9K Pet Cancer Awareness Walk became a bi-coastal philanthropic event in 2009. Started in 2007 in California, the K9K is the fundraising cornerstone of the company’s National Pet Cancer Awareness Month (November), which is celebrating its sixth year. This year’s California K9K will kick off November’s Pet Cancer Awareness Month.