Reindeer Run generated $10,000 for Paws Rescue in Vicksburg

Paws Rescue received a check for $10,000 this afternoon at a press conference at Vicksburg’s Margaritaville Landshark Bar & Grill.

The funds were raised for the animal rescue organization at the inaugural Reindeer Run 5K on Dec. 7. Volunteers from the Vicksburg Running Club partnered with numerous sponsors to hold the race, which began at the Landshark on Levee Street.

Event coordinator Debbie Hayworth and Leigh Buce, general manager at Margaritaville, presented the check to Leigh Conerly, president of Paws Rescue.

“It’s amazing,” Conerly said of the check, which is one of the largest donations Paws has ever received.

Paws Rescue is a non-profit, no-kill animal rescue in Vicksburg, founded in 2004. It is staffed mainly with volunteers who rescue stray and abandoned dogs and cats with the goal of providing them “forever” homes. “We believe every pet has the right to a happy healthy and safe existence,” Paws Rescue write on its website.

About 150 runners registered for the event, and fees ranged from $20 to $35, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Paws Rescue.

The event featured not only a 5K run and walk, but a 1-mile fun run, a pet parade and a party for the participants after the race. Gold sponsor Tito’s Vodka provided doggie goodie bags for the pets.

A total of 41 businesses and individuals sponsored the Reindeer Run. Gold-level sponsors included Margaritaville, Tito’s Vodka, 601 Sports, ASC Industrial PVC and the City of Vicksburg.

Bronze level sponsors include BancorpSouth Wealth Management, CRYO Rejuvenating Center, Helping Hand Family Pharmacy, Mutual Credit Union, Rusty’s Riverfront Grill, Trustmark National Bank, Vicksburg Main Street Program and Woodland Animal Clinic.

Friends of Paws sponsors include 61 North Super Lube, Ameristar, BP Construction LLC, C. Brent Thomas DMD PA-My Vicksburg Dentist, Cannon Honda of Vicksburg, Curb Appeals Real Estate, Dana and Jaa Allen, Edward Jones -Wayne Pratt, Fit Chef Catering, Levee Street Marketplace, Flower Center Nursery, Golding Barge Line, Hometown Medical LLC, Koestler Pallet Sales, Paul Ingram, River Hills Bank, Super Junior, Taco Casa, Teller Hassell & Hopson LLP Attorneys-at-Law, Toneys 61N Liquor and Wine, and Vicksburg Amateur Radio Club.

Support sponsors include Bobbie Jo McConnell, Divine Donuts, Jenny and Drew Bottemiller, Miller’s Tire Mart, Paul Moak Subaru, Robyn Lea State Farm and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.