2022 Honorary Chair
Kelly Avellino
WELCOME TO THE PAW-TY Kelly!
Meet Kelly!
Local NC 12 Reporter Kelly Avellino is Honorary Chair
of 4th Annual Give a Dog a Job’ 5k Run/Walk
benefiting Canine Companions
Saturday, October 1, 2022, 9am – Main Line Brewery, Richmond
Kelly Avellino is one of Virginia’s best known and highly respected television journalists. If it’s happened in Richmond in the last 7 years, Kelly Avellino has brought the story into your living room. Kelly and her co-workers at NBC12 News have become great supporters of Canine Companions, covering the stories of Canine Companions service dog teams and volunteer puppy raisers. And we’re proud to say that NBC12 News is also one of the sponsors of this year’s 4th annual Give a Dog a Job 5k Run/Walk!
Kelly is proud to call the River City her home. She covers the Richmond city beat and is honored to help share the voices and stories of the many incredible people who make up RVA.
Kelly has reported on far-reaching stories from Black Lives Matter protests to the homicide of UVA student, Hannah Graham by a serial killer. However, her favorite stories are those that touch the soul, including that of a young boy living with a rare form of dwarfism, which earned her an Emmy nomination.
When she's not tracking down stories, you may spot Kelly jogging, hiking or enjoying the beach…anything outdoors. Kelly says she’s honored to take part in this year’s Give a Dog a Job 5K. She says she has “seen firsthand through stories and through my own family members, how service dogs and other animals have been life-changing to those with certain needs if not all of us. I’ve watched veterans heal emotionally, in ways that did not happen previously, with the support of an animal. There are people who are able to surmount incredible physical challenges with the support of a service dog. Animals are gifts from God. I’ve We are so lucky to have them.”
The 5k event is for all ages and all athletic abilities and is a great way for Richmond-area residents to come out and support this amazing service dog organization, and have a lot of fun at the same time!
When you register for our 5K run/walk race, you’re signing up for much more than just a spirited event. You will be running and walking with your furry friends to support a great cause. You’ll be joining the Old Dominion Volunteer Chapter puppy raisers and service dog teams to put more highly trained service dogs into the hands of adults, children, and veterans who need them! 100% of race proceeds go directly to Canine Companions.
Did you know?
A fully trained Canine Companions service dog is valued in excess of $50,000, but thanks to donations like yours, our dogs are given FREE of charge to the people who need them!
Each Canine Companions service dog is specially matched with a person with a disability. The connection and bond that the team has is incredible! These dogs not only open doors, pick up dropped items, and turn on light switches, they provide greater independence and an amazing lifetime partnership.
About Canine Companions: Canine Companions is the largest non-profit provider of trained service dogs with six regional training centers across the country, including CA, FL, OH, NY and TX, and has placed over 7,000 service dogs. Established in 1975, Canine Companions provides highly trained service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between people and dogs. There is no charge for the dog, its training or ongoing follow-up services. For more information, visit www.canine.org or call 1-800-572-BARK.
We Could Not Do The 5K Without The Support of Sponsors!
We would like to thank the following supporters, sponsors and donors: Main Line Brewery, NBC12-WBBT, McGeorge Toyota, Nissly Lawlor Group, Inc., Karen Michael Consulting, small BIG Dog Natural Pet Products, Virginia Family Dentistry, All Fur Love Bakery, Pretties + Papers, Off Leash K9 Training LLC, Lucky Road Run Shop, Sneeds Nursery, C&F Bank, Yard Works. Richmond Window Corp, Crunch Fitness, and Doody Calls!