Sixth Annual Pawject Runway Returns with Star-Studded Lineup – Show Your Soft Side and BARCS encourage adoptions by hosting runway show on May 5th

(BALTIMORE, MD) – Show Your Soft Side and Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) will hold the sixth annual Pawject Runway, presented by Pet Valu, on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at Royal Farms Arena. The fashion show features “Softies”, animal-loving professional athletes, entertainers and activists, who will strut the runway “modeling” a range of adorable and friendly dogs and cats in need of a home from BARCS. Proceeds from the event will benefit BARCS and its mission to find forever homes for homeless and abandoned animals, and Show Your Soft Side as it continues to change the mindset of young people who view torturing defenseless animals as tough.

“Last year all 46 animals who ‘modeled’ in the show were adopted,” said Sande Riesett, president, Show Your Soft Side. “It’s really gratifying to see the community come together to support Baltimore’s homeless animals and we’re thrilled to play a part in so many beautiful love stories.”

The evening begins at 6 p.m. when guests can enjoy cocktails and light fare while playing with furry “models” and mingling with the famous faces of the NFL in addition to various other athletes and entertainers. Pre-show activities will also include a cuddle corner and selfie station as well as a silent auction, which will be made available online for the first time this year,

The fashion show, outfitted by Pet Valu, begins at 8 p.m. with MMA television personality Nick Ehrlich emceeing the evening. Softies modeling include Baltimore Ravens Ryan Jensen, Ronnie Stanely, Willie Henry, Carl Davis, Alex Lewis and Chris Moore as well as Emmy Award Winning Host of CBS’ Lucky Dog Brandon McMillian, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Dave Daniecki, General Manager of Royal Farms Arena Frank Remesch, and Baltimore Blasts’ William Vanzela and Vini Dantas. Joining returning co-chair John Rallo, Baltimore’s godfather of MMA, will beTorrey Smith, wide receiver for Super Bowl championship-winning Philadelphia Eagles, and his wife, Chanel Smith, who will serve as honorary co-chairs for the event.

Over the past five years, Pawject Runway has raised over $500,000 and has helped animals find homes by spreading awareness throughout the Baltimore community and encouraging adoptions.

On-site adoptions of animals featured in the runway show are encouraged.

General admission tickets to Pawject Runway are $35 and can be purchased online at https://www.pawjectrunway.org/. Food and drink will be available for purchase.

Pawject Runway is sponsored by: Pet Valu; Royal Farms Arena; State Farm, Harvey Agency; Baltimore Ravens; Capital Grille; Food Market; Iroon Rooster; The Dyer Kroneberger & Hobson Group at RBC Wealth Management; Hotel Indigo; Jimmy’s Famous Seafood; +E.R.; Pixilated Photo Booth; PROFILES Inc.; Tito’s Handmade Vodka; LTS, Inc.; Rescue Strong; Gary Bozel & Associates; Bozel Family Foundation.

 

About Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter:

The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) is the largest companion animal shelter in Maryland. BARCS takes in more than 11,000 dogs and cats of all breeds and approximately 1,000 exotic, wildlife, and other small mammals each year. BARCS serves as a resource to the community for citizens and their animals in need. In just a few years, BARCS significantly increased the number of animals saved from 240 dogs and cats in 2005 (under Animal Control) to over 8,600 dogs and cats saved in 2014. Since our inception in 2005, there has been a 3,500% increase in lives saved. The city-run shelter euthanized a heartbreaking 98% of the animals it received and now BARCS has reduced that to 23%.

BARCS serves as a resource to the community for citizens and their animals in need. The shelter’s services include; providing housing and lifesaving care to homeless animals, public education and outreach, tracking lost and found pets, offering low cost vaccinations and microchip clinics, pet licensing, and the Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) of community cats. BARCS also provides families the opportunity to adopt a loving companion animal that is spayed or neutered and vaccinated at BARCS.

As Maryland’s largest open admission shelter, BARCS does not turn away any animal in need of shelter, food and a loving touch. BARCS grants refuge to every abandoned, neglected, abused, lost or surrendered animal that comes through our door – a staggering 30-35 or more animals are surrendered to BARCS daily, every single day of the year.

 

About Show Your Soft Side:

Show Your Soft Side is a public service campaign that was created to change the mindset of young people who all-too-often view the maiming and torturing of defenseless cats and dogs as a sign of “toughness” or “manhood.”  The campaign’s message that compassion towards animals is a sign of strength, not weakness is one that, overnight, struck a nerve with old and young alike.  Today, Show Your Soft Side, Inc., a registered 501c3, uses its reach and resources to build a better world for animals and, in doing so, build better adults.