Special Guests And Organizations Will Include Elmwood Park Zoo, Michele Gargiulo, Sommelier and Author of Pairing Paws: Dog Breeds and Their Spirit Wines, To Love A Canine Rescue and Many More
VALLEY FORGE, PA — Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge National Historical Park has announced that it will, once again, hold its annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 8 at 2 PM on the Chapel grounds. This “paw-some” event celebrates the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and nature, and is commemorated each year for his love of all of God’s creation.
The ceremony will start with opening remarks at 2 PM from Johanna Reck, Vestry Parish Life & Welcome Committee of WMC, and Father Tommy Thompson, Rector of WMC.
Father Tommy and Father Tim Steeves, Associate Rector of WMC will, then, bless each animal and present a commemorative certificate of blessing. Guests are invited to also bring photos of pets or cremains to be blessed. Over 100 animals have been blessed in the past, including dogs, cats, horses, birds and lizards.
The following organizations will attend the event and will disseminate information to guests:
- Elmwood Park Zoo – Elmwood Park Zoo is dedicated to providing the community with varied learning experiences that encourage people to play an active role in wildlife and environmental conservation activities. The zoo strives to empower its guests with the skills, knowledge and resources that may influence them to lead environmentally healthy lives. Elmwood Park Zoo currently maintains a collection of over 100 species that hail from all over the globe. Highlights of the collection include giraffes, zebras, bald and golden eagles, jaguars, and red pandas.
- Saint Rocco’s Treats – Inspired by Saint Rocco’s, the patron saint of dogs, their treats are handmade from human-grade, meat-based, ingredients. For every one pound of treats sold, they donate $1 to a local shelter.
- Michele Gargiulo– Author of Pairing Paws: Dog Breeds and Their Spirit Wines. A professional sommelier, who often pairs wine with things that others would not of, like art, music, feelings, and now, dogs, Gargiulo was the Wine and Beverage Director at the Fearless Restaurant Group and is currently working at the Four Seasons in Jean Georges.
- Valley Forge Park Alliance – The Valley Park Alliance works tirelessly to facilitate programs for park funding, education, volunteer programs, and partnerships to preserve Valley Forge. They are committed to ensuring the park is a beautiful gathering place of inspiration, refuge, and commemoration for generations to come.
- National Park Service A.R.K. Ranger program – This program teaches participants how to have a positive experience with their pet in unfamiliar environments. Students learn the B.A.R.K.principles so they, and their pets, can have a safe and fun visit anytime they go to a national park. This program is part of the Healthy People Healthy Parks Initiative.
- To Love a Canine Rescue (TLC) – This non-profit is an allbreed, foster based, no-kill rescue center, operating in Chester County, PA. Their mission is to rescue and find permanent homes for abandoned, stray, and surrendered dogs to minimize the needless euthanizing of animals. They will host a “Meet and Greet Puppies” at the event.
- Animal House Project – This initiative is a Pet Food Pantry that aims to keep pets at home and out of shelters by providing donated pet food and pet care services.They work with those financially stressed, including: seniors and retired military veterans living on a fixed income, returning military personnel unable to return to the workforce, victims of domestic violence, low-income single parents teaching their children responsible pet ownership and care, unemployed individuals, and persons with life-threatening illnesses. While the majority of the animals that they provide food to are dogs and cats, the Pantry also provides food to horses, rabbits, ferrets, chinchillas, birds, hamsters, fish, bearded dragons and even some hermit crabs and donkeys. They will be having a collection at the event.
The Chapel will also be conducting Docent Tours for visitors attending the event so that they can learn more about the Episcopal Church and the history of the Chapel. Donations are welcome and will support the current Capital Campaign.
The address is Rt. 23 Valley Forge Park, Valley Forge, PA.
To learn more about the Washington Memorial Chapel, or to schedule a tour visit http://wmchapel.org and http://wmchapel.org/heritage/ to learn more about the restoration campaign.
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