On Saturday, Nov. 7, the Voorhees Animal Orphanage (VAO) and Camden County Freeholder Board will host the 19th Annual Woofstock Festival, an all-day event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at John Connolly Park.
Woofstock is the VAO’s largest annual fundraising event, bringing together pet lovers, corporate sponsors, retail vendors, exhibitors, and local animal welfare and rescue organizations from around the tri-state area to celebrate animals, family, and community.
“I invite you and your entire family out to join me in supporting the Voorhees Animal Orphanage this weekend,” Freeholder Jeffrey Nash said. “While you are there, please consider adopting a pet. The happiness that one gets from being greeted at the end of a hard day by your loyal family dog has no equal.”
The event will feature gourmet food trucks, over 100 vendors, an alumni parade, a demonstration by the Voorhees K9 Unit, and special guests: the Joseph A. Ferko String Band; Master Chef Joseph Poon; and Dr. Elizabeth Severino, animal communicator. Microchipping will also be available on-site for only $25, courtesy of County Line Veterinary Hospital. In 2014, the event drew 4,000 attendees and social dogs on non-retractable leashes are welcome.
All proceeds benefit the Voorhees Animal Orphanage, an open-intake facility located on Cooper Road in Voorhees, NJ. The VAO serves lost and unwanted cats and dogs from select Camden and Burlington County municipalities, as well as adoptable animals from the area’s high-volume shelters. Many of the incoming animals are in need of immediate medical attention, ranging from basic to extreme, which presents a significant expense. Animals are rehabilitated and cared for by expert staff, a shelter vet, and a core of dedicated volunteers. The organization relies on donations and volunteers, in addition to municipal contracts.
The VAO is about to embark on a capital campaign to build a much-needed new shelter facility scheduled to open in time for the organization’s 30th anniversary in 2018. For more information on how to support the VAO and its adoptable cats and dogs, please visit www.vaonj.org.
The Voorhees Animal Orphanage (VAO) provides food, shelter, and medical care to rescued dogs and cats from Camden and Burlington Counties with a goal of returning them to their owners, or finding them suitable and permanent new homes. The VAO opened in 1988 and has rescued, rehabilitated, and helped to place over 20,000 cats and dogs in that time. Serving over 1500 animals on an annual basis from Camden and Burlington Counties, the VAO works in partnership with municipalities, other shelters, rescue groups, volunteers, and the greater Philadelphia and South Jersey community. For more information, visit www.vaonj.org.
