Latham staff and residents volunteer at Paw Palooza Dog Festival

Agway of Cape Cod’s Charitable Foundation hosted the third annual Paw Palooza in Yarmouth this past weekend, and some of our staff members and residents were thrilled to attend and volunteer at the event. About 10,000 people came to celebrate their furry friends and support the Cape’s two largest humane organizations. The event’s proceeds will benefit our region’s animal welfare organizations, specifically the Animal Rescue League of Boston (Cape Cod branch in Brewster) and the MSPCA-Angell – Cape Adoption Center in Centerville. The past two Paw Paloozas raised over $53,000 for these deserving nonprofits.

Agway is a valued community partner of Latham Centers. Since 2013, Latham and Agway have worked together to create employment opportunities for both our students and adult residents. Agway is a past recipient of Latham Centers’ William McClennan Community Service Award, and our Vocational Director Maura Smith said the company has been incredibly supportive of helping our individuals develop vocational skills, earn income, and expand opportunities for community inclusion. The Latham residents and staff members who volunteered at Paw Palooza in support of our good friends at Agway expressed their thanks for the opportunity to “pay it forward.” Great Hill adult residents Krissy and Andrea and Residential Counselor Brianna Isaacs came all the way from Sandwich to help. They worked at the entrance and assisted in greeting the attendees and their pets. They also provided guidance to visitors regarding the schedule of events and where the various activities and tents were located.

Arlene Harrington, Staff Accountant from Latham’s business office, also volunteered on Sunday. “This was my first-time volunteering at Paw Palooza and I was very impressed by how well organized it was,” Arlene said. “It was a pleasure to spend the day with a great group of people. As a Latham employee, I was so inspired to see many of our adult residents as well as other staff members so willing to donate their time and talents to such a worthy cause. It is a great opportunity for everyone to be more involved in our local communities.”

Our Vocational Director agreed. “We love the Paw Palooza Dog Festival for so many reasons,” Maura said. “Most of our residents share a great love of animals, and it was the perfect weekend to come together with the community of dog lovers and help this worthy cause.” Congratulations to the Agway of Cape Cod Charitable Foundation for another successful Paw Palooza!

Submitted by Communications Intern Jack Harrington