Thursday, 17 December 2009 09:06

Dear Children First Academy of Tempe,

On behalf of Maricopa County Animal Care, Fieldworks, and “Santa Paws” I’d like to thank all of you and your talented carolers for participating in the first annual 12k’s of Christmas! It was a resounding success! Participation in the event exceeded our wildest dreams with over 800 runners/walkers participating and several hundred more spectators and guests there to enjoy the music.

Everyone I talked to loved the caroling on the race course and in the park. It was just great to see so many talented young people and professional performers join in a fun celebration of Christmas. Our judges had a bit of trouble determining who should win the inaugural 12k’s of Christmas Caroling Award, but after hard deliberation they decided that this year’s winner was Children First Academy of Tempe. Congratulations!!!

Special mention for runner up goes to Stacy Huston and her girl scout troop for their imagination, costumes and decorations. (Check out the attached photo!)

Thanks to all of your for coming out and supporting us as we raised money for our furry friends. The great turnout will enable 12k’s of Christmas to make a sizable donation to the animal shelter, plus all of our rescue groups were able to leverage the event to find homes for needed pets. I don’t have a final number, but I have heard of at least 20 dogs being adopted and 1 cat. It is wonderful that they will have a home for this Christmas!

I do hope you can all participate next year on Saturday December 11^th. We’ll keep you posted. Meantime, have a wonderful Christmas and a very happy, healthy new year.

Kathleen, Darryl and Santa Paws…