Mutt Madness pet adoption event to be held at GIE+EXPO
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) announced that its TurfMutt program will host the inaugural TurfMutt pet adoption event, “Mutt Madness,” during GIE+EXPO 2018 in Louisville, Ky.
Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the OPEI, is passionate about OPEI, GIE+EXPO, dog rescue and adoption, and his own rescue pooch, Lucky (a.k.a., TurfMutt). Lucky is the inspiration for OPEI’s environmental education and stewardship program, TurfMutt, Backyard Superhero, which showcases the value of family yards and managed green spaces.
Mutt Madness, in partnership with the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS), will take place Thursday, October 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Exposition Center during GIE+EXPO. TurfMutt and the show also will donate a $10,000 check to KHS to support its good work in animal rehabilitation, rescue and adoption.
“Why are we doing this? Well, parents know kids want a house with a yard because kids want a house with a dog,” said Kiser. “And, who knows your yard best? Your dog. Who empowers the making of that yard? The exhibitors, partners and attendees of GIE+EXPO. It made sense to pull them together.”
Kiser added that the event is also ideal for pet adoption because thousands of GIE+EXPO attendees drive to the event, making it easier for them to bring home a rescued pet.
“We are thrilled to partner with OPEI and TurfMutt to raise awareness about pet adoption,” says Robin Vincent, Kentucky Humane Society’s shelter director. “In shelters across the country, there are wonderful animals waiting for families to love them.”
“Our ‘show dogs’ and puppies at Mutt Madness will hail from the Kentucky Humane Society, which operates the Louisville animal shelters and will process adoption paperwork,” said Kiser. GIE+EXPO attendees are encouraged to find their next best friend and own backyard superhero during the TurfMutt event. “Paw it Forward, and give back to our host city by adopting a backyard superhero in need,” Kiser added.
About the TurfMutt program
TurfMutt was launched a decade ago as a cartoon education program in a handful of Sacramento-based elementary schools with the help of well-known children’s education organization Weekly Reader. Now, after forging partnerships with numerous federal agencies and nonprofits, TurfMutt is delivered to thousands of educators and students in grades K-5 annually by education curriculum partner, Scholastic. Kiser and TurfMutt have been an on-screen education voice on CBS’s Lucky Dog television show, and will appear in a new broadcast television show debuting this fall on the CW Network. The TurfMutt program has reached 68 million kids, teachers and families and is featured in the U.S. Green Building Council’s prestigious Learning Lab.
