An American Cancer Society fundraising event, Bark for Life, is an event open to the public and their canine companions. Georgia Southern students, Kaitlin Moore and Amie Evans, are planning the event together this year as interns for the health charity.

“Bark for Life is a community event, [made] fun for dogs, to raise money for the American Cancer Society and the Statesboro Relay for Life,” Amie Evans, senior health education and promotion major, said.

Activities such as live music, games and contests for the dogs will take place throughout the day. Contest winners for the softest fur, most unique name, longest tail and more will be awarded prizes such as dog toys and treats.

Kaitlin Moore, senior health education and promotions major, said owners will have a chance to have a caricature drawn with their dogs as well as take photos together with props in the Instagram photo booth. These photo’s may even end up posting to the Bark for Life Instagram page.

Student organizations and local vendors such as Bruster’s, will be selling homemade goods and popular snacks like ice cream sundaes for both the dogs and their owners. Along with the activities and vendors, Statesboro’s therapy dogs will be offering their services to anyone who needs them, and the Humane Society of Statesboro and Bulloch County will have several dogs available for adoption.

“It is always fun when you can take your best friend with you and help raise money for such a worthy cause,” Carole Smith, secretary for the Humane Society of Statesboro, said.

Bark for Life will be held on April 16 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the RAC concert stage. Admission is free for humans and $10 per dog. All dogs participating will be given an exclusive purple Bark for Life bandana. T-shirts for human attendees will be available as well.

For more information on the event, visit the Bark for Life of Statesboro Facebook page. “Come out to Bark for life and have a ‘fur-riffic’ time. It puts the fun in fundraiser,” said Moore.