Even after the most tragic of events, there is often a glimmer of hope that emerges. Such is the case with local event, Paws For Brittany.
Marshfield native Brittany Zimmermann was attending UW-Madison when she was brutally attacked and murdered on April 2, 2008. Terribly, the crime remains unsolved.
Not knowing the details of what happened to their daughter, or who is responsible, propelled her parents, Kevin and Jean Zimmermann of Marshfield, to help implement important legislation that requires all those arrested or convicted for violent crimes in Wisconsin to submit a DNA sample.
The Zimmermanns take some comfort in caring for Brittany’s three beloved cats, Marvin, Felix and Boo, and for the last three years have been further sustained by an annual fundraiser founded in their daughter’s memory.
In 2014, family and friends of Brittany created “Paws For Brittany” to honor her life and her compassionate spirit for all animals. Proceeds from the event benefit the Marshfield Area Pet Shelter (MAPS), a dedicated group of passionate volunteers making a difference in the lives of local homeless animals.
“MAPS was formed in Sept 2011 when a group of concerned citizens realized the need. Numerous homeless animals found in and around the Marshfield area had no one stepping in to ensure they received veterinary care, they were spayed/ neutered, vaccinated and given the opportunity to find loving forever homes,” said MAPS President Karen Rau. “Brittany was a huge animal lover who dreamt of starting a hobby farm someday. She touched the hearts of so many people and she would have loved what MAPS is doing to help animals in her community.”
The Marshfield Area Pet Shelter is currently operating out of their temporary home at 210 W 29th Street, with aspiration of someday building a new facility for the Marshfield area. Once the new MAPS facility is built, the Free Roaming Cat Room will be dedicated in memory of Brittany.
The inaugural Paws For Brittany fun run/dog walk in 2014 raised more than $10,000 for MAPS, with proceeds being deposited into the MAPS building fund. In 2015, more than 250 pets and people again walked in memory of Brittany, and the event raised more than $11,000 for MAPS, and featured an event host (Mike Warren from WDLB Radio), a balloon release, and a blessing from Pastor Daryn Bahn (Christ Lutheran Church). Bandannas and other door prizes were also added.
This year’s Paws For Brittany event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 7 at Wildwood Park, and the walking path features a stroll past the upper pond, buffalo,elk, wolves, and other wildlife. Strollers, and of course pets, are welcome, as are walkers without a pet.
Funds raised from this event help care for homeless animals found in the community Brittany grew up in and will help many animals that she adored.
Said Rau, “People who come to this event not only help raise money for the animals Brittany loved, they also show their support for the entire Zimmerman family.”
Registration Fee:
$25.00, ages 13 and above
No fee required for children 12 and under with paid registration.
Extra adult and child-sized t-shirts will be available for purchase at the event.
All paid participants will receive a Paws For Brittany t-shirt.
Please visit www.PawsforBrittany.com for more information and online registration/printable registration forms.
