Local Company a Signature Sponsor of 20th Annual NHSPCA Paws Walk

EXETER, N.H., June 13, 2012–Exeter Events and Tents, northern New England’s finest event equipment rental company, recently donated more than $1,000 toward the cost of tents and a stage for the NHSPCA Paws Walk 2012, held Sunday, June 10 at Stratham Hill Park in Stratham. The 20th annual event raised more than $140,000 for the care of approximately 3,000 homeless animals that the shelter takes in every year.

“Every dollar makes a difference,” said Kelly Lemos, Events and Sponsorship Coordinator. “We receive no federal or state funding, and rely solely on our local and extended communities to support our operations and care for the animals. The tents and stage are logistical needs for our event, whereas the donation means more dollars that will help save lives.”  

Exeter Events and Tents’ Quest to Reinvest grant program recently awarded more than $20,000 in goods and services to over a dozen charitable and non-profit organizations throughout New Hampshire, down east Maine and northern Massachusetts.

More than 800 owners, families, and four-legged and two-legged friends walked 1.5-mile or two-mile routes, individually or in teams during Sunday’s event. Food, vendors, face painting, music, entertainment and more were featured.

“So far, this was the best Paws Walk ever,” said Lemos. “We came in with over $114,000 raised and had just under 600 walkers pre-registered. At 11:30 a.m. we ran out of parking. It went really great. The money raised will help provide food, shelter, medical care, and a second chance for the 3,000 animals that come to us over the year.”

Michael Parkin, president of Exeter Events and Tents, said, “This grant is our way of participating in a fun yet important event that will benefit families and animals all throughout our area. In past years, the weather has varied from blistering hot to pouring rain, and our ability to provide shelter for the SPCA’s human and canine participants is important to us; we want everyone to have a good time!”

Parkin established the Quest to Invest grant program in 2011 to help organizations run community-based outreach events without the prohibitive costs of typical event rental goods and services. In 2012, Exeter Events and Tents expanded the program to include non-profits throughout Massachusetts and Maine, in addition to New Hampshire. Through Quest to Reinvest, Exeter Events and Tents has committed to donate or provide substantial discounts on tents, tables, chairs, dance floors, stages and other special event and party rental merchandise to help organizations run fundraising events for a wide variety of critical services and causes.

More than a dozen charitable and non-profit organizations throughout New Hampshire, down east Maine and northern Massachusetts were named grant recipients in 2012. For a complete listing, please visit www.exeterrent-all.com.

For more information about NHSPCA, visit www.nhspca.org or call (603) 772-2921.

About Exeter Events and Tents

Exeter Events and Tents is Northern New England’s finest event rental company. Family owned and providing quality service for nearly 25 years, the company offers an expansive selection of wedding and event products and services including the region’s most comprehensive selection of tents, tables, chairs, china, and other accessories, providing a one-stop source for any occasion. Recognized as leaders in the industry, Exeter Events and Tents’ highly experienced and friendly staff and consultants welcome the opportunity to help individuals and organizations create memorable events. For more information, visit www.exeterrent-all.com or call (603) 778-9838.