DANVILLE —
Games and treats for both pets and people will be featured Saturday at the Critter Carnival.
While having fun is one goal, the main purpose of the benefit is to raise funds for Sgt. 1st Class John Kessler, who was injured in a car accident in April. Kessler went on eight overseas military tours as a member of the Marine Corps, the Marine Reserves and then as a member of the Illinois Army National Guard.
The Bismarck man, who returned home from Afghanistan in September 2010, is hospitalized while he recovers from his injuries. Kessler was injured when a drunken driver crashed into his car earlier this year.
Barb Abbott, organizer of the benefit, said, “This is a chance to help someone that took a chance on us fighting for our country.”
The event will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Classy Critters, 3628 N. Vermilion St. Abbott owns the pet grooming salon.
A $10 ticket allows a person to enter all the contests and to be entered into the drawings. However, a person doesn’t need to buy a ticket in order to watch the contests or take part in other activities, some of which ask for a donation.
The contests are: pet costume, 1 p.m.; best trick at 2 p.m.; fattest dog at 3 p.m.; and pet/owner look-alike at 4 p.m. Pre-register for all contests 30 minutes before start times.
Food will be for sale for donations, as well as pet photos. There will be paw paintings, bobbing for hot dogs, cake walk and other activities.
The cake walk will feature both food for people and pets. Donations of both dog treats and people goodies may be made by contacting Abbott.
Plus, there will be a 50/50 drawing and raffles, Abbott said, adding that numerous businesses have been generous with their donations.
“We’re hoping for a good turnout,” Abbott said, and noted everyone is welcome, not just pet owners.
Abbott and her husband, Jason, are organizing the benefit along with John and Pam Aquino; both families know the Kessler family.
Pam Aquino urged people to come to the carnival, saying, “Come help a special person out.”
The carnival not only helps Kessler, but the activities will be fun, she said.
FYI
The Critter Carnival will run 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Classy Critters, 3628 N. Vermilion St., just south of Lowe’s. Parking will be allowed in the south end of Lowe’s.
To make donations of money or items for the bake sale or to buy tickets, call Barb Abbott at 446-0014 or Pam Aquino at 443-8351.
California's Foie Gras Ban About to Begin
6-Year-Old Going to National Spelling Bee
Video Essay: Funky Winkerbean Comic Turns 40
On Thailand Trip, Suu Kyi Visits Migrants
Raw Video: Pink Diamond Auctioned for $17.4M
Hurricane Andrew Remembered, 20 Years Later
Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing
Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation
Couple doesn’t let tropical storm ruin their big day
Tori Bares Baby Bump in Monokini
Even Fla. Police Shocked by Face-Mauling Attack
Letterman on Family Life Post-Scandal
Evans: Serena in shock
Pregnant Reese Wears LBD
Volcano covers Colombian cities in ash
Meet the Crew and Good Ship 'Prometheus'
Los Angeles Bar Bans Bachelorettes
Hamster Plays Dead
Beyonce Shows Off 60 Pound Weight Loss at Concert
Drunk Women Breaking Into Houses: A New Trend?
LeAnn Rimes Rocks Short Shorts
Raw Video: Cop Shoots Man Eating Another's Face
Gordon Ramsay Carried Off Field
Man Dies Getting Lap Dance
Kim Kardashian Claims Items Stolen from Her Luggage
Bear cools off in Calif. family's pool
Ep. 3: Chopped Desserts
Air Force dad surprises family at baseball game
