The youth at Schererville’s Campagna Academy recently had the opportunity to coordinate a unique experience for the community, the fourth annual It’s All About The Pet Event.
It’s not your run-of-the-mill Pet Fair, as the occasion was planned exclusively by the students and included a “red carpet walk” for the animals, several rescue organizations, handmade blankets fashioned by the party-planners, and many other offerings.
At Campagna Academy, Getting Strong & Giving Back is a core component of their programing, according to Beth Szamatowicz, director of public relations & Volunteer Services.
“We encourage our youth to give back to their community through volunteer and community impact projects,” she said. “This year, the youth of Campagna have selected Compassionate Canines to partner with for this Getting Strong & Giving Back project, It’s All About The Pet Event. Our kids have been working hard planning out details … working on decorations, baking homemade dog treats and making dog and cat blankets that will be auctioned.”
All the timely preparations paid off, as the pet fair went on without a hitch.
Hundreds of visitors and their dogs perused the 24 vendors’ tables. They represented a vast variety — from a pet and feed store and pooch accessories to Girl Scouts selling their cookies and numerous pet rescue organizations.
“We heard about this pet show just yesterday, and we were going to be in the area anyway,” said James Phillips of Schererville, as he picked up a few homemade dog treats for his dog Lucky. “It’s always interesting to see what types of businesses we have around here for our pets.”
Campagna board member Jean Wease feels the benefits of involving the youth when putting together the day’s schedule go far beyond the day itself.
“We are delighted to give our kids a chance to organize something so important,” she added. “They also are gaining a sense of accomplishment … knowing they can make a difference in the community.”
Szamatowicz agreed.
“Our goal for our boys and girls is to return home with increased self-esteem and the lasting sense that they can continue to contribute to their community,” she added. “This event will teach our kids that their strengths are relevant to their lives and vital to society.”
Lynn Henke, owner of St. John Grooming, displayed many one-of-a-kind accessories on her vendor table.
Bright nail polishes, hair color, sparkly earrings and hair extensions were among the offerings.
“We started the ‘blings’ about a year ago, many of our customers like something different,” Henke said. “Whatever you want your dog to be, we can do that.”
Groomer Ashly Young added that whether it’s a certain type of cut, color or other design, everything they use is safe for the canines.
“Our products are all hypo-allergenic,” she added. “It’s all pet-friendly.”
The afternoon was capped off with a special treat for the animals attending — a chance to walk down the long, “red carpet”
Dozens of camera lights were focused on the “celebrities” present at the event.
“I’ve never seen this before, this is so unique,” said Marilyn Martin of Schererville, as the rescue dogs and visiting dogs alike took turns to show off their stuff. “I’m really surprised how well-behaved all these dogs are. They seem to be enjoying this party as much as we are.”
The crowd of visitors that came through the door at the recent pet fair was much larger than expected.
“Our final number was 415 people attending this year’s event,” Szamatowicz said. “This is a significant increase from last year’s number of 271 visitors.”
Proceeds from the silent auction and bake sale will be donated to Compassionate Canines Pet Therapy Program.
For more information about Campagna Academy, call (219) 322-8614.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
