It was a cold and rainy last day of September, yet the Glassboro Police Department tried to keep it light and fun with the Paws for the Cause community event at the South Delsea Drive Park. With different attractions both new and old, event-goers flocked to the park to see what it had to offer.
Glassboro Police’s Lt. Mindy Knight brought this event to life. Knight, head of Glassboro Police’s Detective Bureau, reached out to vendors, other public service departments and the overall community for donations, stalls and attractions.
Even though the purpose of this event is to raise awareness for different causes every year, the biggest thing Knight wants is to bring the community closer together.
“Community Policing is at the forefront of what we do here. This event is giving back and showing the human side and being able to give back to a great cause as well,” Knight said.
From the brand new wrestling ring in the middle of the park to face painting, touch-a-truck, a dunk tank and pumpkin picking, there was something for everyone.
The Glassboro Police Department also took donations for the food shelter. Each year, the event raises awareness and funds for a different cause outside of collecting donations for the local animal shelter. This year the cause was Rowan’s Integrated Special Needs services. All proceeds from the raffles that were donated went to Rowan’s Integrated Special Needs Center.
The biggest attraction was the K-9 show, in which the K-9 hounds and their handlers show off their amazing skills, connection, and partnerships. It was a fan favorite and a great reason to attend the event next year.
It isn’t always easy to get the many vendors and attractions to come out, but when Knight went looking, the call was answered.
“Cookie Munchers is on campus so I just went right to the store. Dave and Busters was at another Rowan event, so while I was there, I jumped on the opportunity to talk to them. I sent them all the information and they jumped right on board,” Knight said.
The D.A.W.G. wrestling company sought Knight out themselves in order to be a part of this event.
“They actually reached out to me. I stopped at GMC and the guy who runs this business asked if I would mind if they could set something up. So it’s really awesome and a lot of people are digging it,” Knight said.
Rowan’s admissions department was on hand with a table giving out free swag and gear to event-goers. I was able to speak with Madison Rappaport and Korrine DiBuono, who was decked out in Rowan gear to help relay information about Rowan for prospective future students and other event attendees.
“I am really excited to see different tables, people, vendors and the dogs tonight,” Rappaport said.
“I’m a huge animal person. I am excited to see the different animals. I’m kind of interested in the wrestling ring,” DiBuono said. “I’ve grown up with events like this in my hometown and always got to go.”
If you would like to get involved with Rowan Admissions to do events like this, head on over to Savitz Hall on the second floor.
“We always have people there. Ask any questions. There are great people there with resources. There are so many different ways to get involved but the main way is to be an admission ambassador tour guide. This means showing new students and other families of potential students and showing them what Rowan is all about,” Rappaport said.
You can get involved with Paws for the Cause by contacting Knight at the Glassboro Police Department for next year’s event whether you are a business, Rowan club or even a charity.
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