Anything’s PAWSible Hosts 2nd Annual Festival and 5K Fun Run A deeply personal experience spurred Jenn Shively to launch Anything’s PAWSible to provide service dogs to children with disabilities. When her son Colton was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Jenn connected with an organization that was one of few in the country to offer service dogs to children. Her family soon learned that a service dog could greatly benefit Colton, who had already demonstrated a great love for animals. Yet the upfront financial obligation of obtaining a service dog is significant—likely excluding many from the opportunity. Service dogs can be paired with children as young as five years old and lead to increased independence and emotional support during these critical formative years. Armed with the knowledge that early intervention, therapies, and other suppor t improve a child’s chance at overcoming even the most challenging obstacles, as well as the conviction that she could do something tangible to make service dogs more readily available to children in need, Jenn launched the 501 (c)(3) organization in August 2022. The organization’s primary goal is to break down barriers that may limit a family’s access to a service dog by providing education, advocacy, and financial support. Fundraising is a crucial element to carrying out the organization’s mission. Last May, the inaugural Festival and 5K Fun Run attracted more than 300 racers and more than 50 0 to the festival, raising nearly $34,000. Jenn notes they couldn’t have done it without tremendous community support from Wegmans (Haymarket), Kimberly Lyddane Photography, Timberlake S o un d, T h e W h i s key D o g s, T h e Princess Performers, Carrie Frasier Paperpie Brand Partner, NOVA Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, and many other wonderful local businesses. The second Festival and 5K Fun Run will be held on April 20 from 11:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m., once again on the Manassas Museum lawn at 9101 Prince William Street. The day promises fun for all! In addition to the 5K, there will be a raffle and silent auction, princess performers, outdoor yard games, a moonbounce, face painting, vendors, food trucks, a DJ, live music, and more. The chip-timed 5K is open to runners, walkers, strollers, wheelchairs, wagons, walkers, and all other mobility equipment. People of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate, and it’s no surprise that furry four-legged friends are welcome to join you as well! Pre-race check-in is available at the event site on April 19 from 4:00–7:00 p.m. as well as on race day from 10:00–10:45 a.m. Join in the group stretch activity at 10:45 followed by Osbourn Park HS Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) presentation of the colors and anthem, opening remarks at 10:55, and the race itself at 11:00. The festival runs the entire length of the event, so there’s plenty of time to participate in family-friendly activities and visit with local vendors. Vendor registration is still available. For just $200, you can promote your business or organization and/or sell products in person in a 10’ x 10’ space—larger spaces are also available. Contact info@ anythingspawsibleva.com to inquire about vendor space. Consider joining in to support efforts that will improve the lives of these children. Aside from participating in the 5K, you can support Anything’s PAWSible through a financial donation or by purchasing their adorable merchandise. In addition, grant applications to assist families in acquiring a service dog are currently being accepted through October 31. To learn more, including registering for the 5K and submitting a 2024 grant application, visit anythingspawsibleva.com. You can also use the QR code below to link directly to race registration. NOW ENROLLING Child Care Programs Elementary Programs Infants – School-Age Kindergarten – 5th Grade ✓ Small Class Sizes ✓ Individualized Learning ✓ Academic Support ✓ Dedicated, Degreed Teachers WELCOME MANASSAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL FAMILIES 8485 Plantation Lane, Manassas, VA 20110 703-369-7942 manassas@meritschools.com www.meritschools.com Only The Best Seafood! Per fe ct fo r Lent • Tuesday is SHRIMP Night • Thursday is OYSTER Night • Wednesday is ALASKAN SNOW CRAB LEG Night • Friday is LOBSTER Night Buy Two Dinner Entrées and Get a Free 1/2 lb Spiced Shrimp. Offer good now through 3/31/24. With this coupon. Cannot be combined with other offers. Tuesdays through Thursdays only. Excludes Sandwiches & Basket Me als. WPW Buy Two Dinner Entrees and Get A Free Appetizer WPW valued at $13.00 or less Offer good now through 3/31/24. With this coupon. Cannot be combined with other offers. Blue Ridge Seafood Restaurant 15704 Lee Highway • Gainesville Check our new website for complete menu and current specials Family Owned & Operated for 45 Years ~ Established 1979 703-754-9852 SHE 5364/3-24 Cl os ed M on days ~ Nancy Griffin-Bonnaire www.blueridgeseafood.com KH Prince William Discover Western Prince William ■ March 2024 7