WORCESTER _ Worcester Credit Union (WCU) was in good company with Petco, Ceva, Adaptil, and Feliway as a key corporate sponsor for the 15
th Annual Pet Rock Festival, which took place on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013, at Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester. The event drew thousands of people, as well as their pets, and is considered the largest animal Expo on the East Coast. It was developed to promote responsible pet ownership, bring attention to animal cruelty, and educate the public on animal-related issues.� All proceeds from the Festival go toward animal worthy related charities that support shelters, law reform, and farm animal sanctuaries.
"We had a wonderful year, with thousands of people (and dogs) attending. While it was a little windy, the field was still packed, and the enthusiasm for the event remained as high as ever," said Charlene Arsenault, one of the founders of the Pet Rock Festival. "It's important to have sponsors such as WCU for many reasons; it spotlights the fact that the community and its businesses support us, helps us to pay for a growingly expensive festival to run, gives us a chance to focus on businesses with our event, and, most importantly, allows us to help more animal welfare charities."
"As a community-oriented credit union, we were so pleased to participate as one of the corporate sponsors of the Pet Rock Festival. The Festivals mission and message resonated with us, and we were excited to be able to be a part of such a vital and worthwhile event, especially one that was right in our own back yard," said WCU President and CEO, Karen Duffy.
The Pet Rock Festival featured live music with headliner Glen Philips, lead singer for
Toad the Wet Sprocket, along with other musical guest performances, a vegetarian food court, games for children, contests for dogs, a cat photo contest, photos with owners pets, doggie massages, a doggie water park, demonstrations, exhibits, vendors, an Adoptable Pet Parade, and more than 120 nonprofit groups that are devoted to all types of animal welfare causes.
More than 50 nonprofits entered the Adoptable Pet Parade and the winner was the Big Fluffy Rescue.� WCU Branch Manager Christine Miller was one of the judges of the parade.
"It was really an amazing event and an incredible turnout," said WCU Branch Manager Natasha Beaulieu, who attended the event with Miller. "Im a huge dog person and it was so amazing to see the connection people had with their pets."
WCU has a strong commitment to its community and throughout its more than 75 year history, has been an important partner to many area non-profits, in and around the Worcester area.
"Being an active part of our community is one of the cornerstones of WCU," Duffy said. "We have a strong commitment to giving back, and we are proud that our staff has always enthusiastically supported that mission."
Worcester Credit Union provides members with a full menu of financial services and products that offer excellent value. Its commitment to community service, coupled with its commitment to its members is unparalleled. For more information, visit
www.worcestercu.com
