Schools Foundation to Hold Mutt Strut, Fashion Show Fundraisers

It’s time to find Fido a creative canine costume — is on its way.

Held at the in Union City on Saturday, Oct. 15, the pooch party features a fun run or walk with your pet, doggy games, a costume contest and barbecue (watch our video from ).

The event will help raise funds for the ’s many programs, which provide vital resources to the New Haven Unified School District.

This year, the foundation pledged $100,000 to support after-school activities and field trips for New Haven schools. The foundation also runs the district’s and distributes , among other programs.

Last year’s Mutt Strut brought out 120 participants and raised $11,000 for the foundation, according to Barbara Aro-Valle, executive director of the New Haven Schools Foundation.

“This is a very popular NHSF event,” Aro-Valle said. “Mutt Strut is a family-fun event that brings together dogs and their families and is also enjoyable for dog lovers.”

She hopes more than 150 “pet families” attend the Oct. 15 event.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the run/walk starting at 9:30 a.m. Games, costume contest and barbecue will be held from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m.

Advanced registration is $25 for one participant and $45 for two. Advanced registration comes with a t-shirt, barbecue ticket and goody bag.

To register for the event, visit the foundation’s website at www.nhsfoundation.com or contact Aro-Valle at 471-3850 or baro-valle@nhsfoundation.com.

Next month, the foundation will partner with the Masonic Homes yet again for a luncheon and fashion show on Nov. 5 at .

The event will not only support the foundation but the American Association of University Women’s science and math camp for seventh-grade girls as well.

The fashion show will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $30. The deadline to reserve a seat is Oct. 31. For more information or to RSVP, contact Aro-Valle or Acacia Creek at 510-441-3740.

Boosters to hold "Carnival of Thanks"

The foundation events are just two of many efforts to support our local schools this year.

The New Haven Boosters Association, which is helping the foundation with its $100,000 pledge to save after-school activities, will also hold a carnival and chili cook-off fundraiser on Nov. 6.

Held at the James Logan High School parking lot from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the “Carnival of Thanks” will feature game and food booths, a talent show and giveaways, in addition to the chili cook-off.

Entry fee to participate in the chili contest is $50 per group or $25 for students. A cash prize will be given to the winning entry.

For more information, or to inquire about participating in the cook-off or talent show, contact event coordinator Natalie Haney at nathaney1@gmail.com.