Carson City, Nev., July 14, 2009: The ninth annual Pepper/Sampson Memorial Classic NADAC Agility Trial to benefit canine cancer research will take place July 24-26, 2009, at Fuji Park in Carson City. Mdt-Agility Ability, LLC, will host the event, and all proceeds will go to Morris Animal Foundation (MAF), a Colorado-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving animal health worldwide.
The Pepper/Sampson Memorial is a canine agility event that was established in 2000 by Lin and Greg Battaglia of Spanish Springs, Nev., after they lost their beloved Sheltie, Pepper, to lymphoma, the No. 1 cancer affecting dogs. The agility trial is a remembrance for Pepper and his love for competition. Sampson, also a Sheltie, was recently incorporated into the memorial classic after Cherie and Sean Singer, friends of the Battaglias, lost him to lymphoma in December. The competition hosts between 90 and 110 dogs, and most participants have also lost dogs to cancer. The event, which includes a raffle and silent auction, has raised more than $80,000 over the past eight years for canine lymphoma research.
To make a direct donation to the Pepper/Sampson Memorial Classic Fund, or to view a complete list of current studies MAF is funding, including canine cancer studies, visit www.MorrisAnimalFoundation.org, call 800.243.2345 or write Morris Animal Foundation at 10200 E. Girard Avenue, Suite B430, Denver, CO 80231. When making a donation, please specify Pepper/Sampson Memorial Classic Fund #335 on your check or when you call. For more information on the Pepper/Sampson Memorial Classic Agility Trial, visit www.mdt-agilityability.com. To donate items to the silent auction and/or raffle, please contact Lin Battaglia at train@mdt-agilityability.com.
About MAF: Morris Animal Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1948, is dedicated to funding animal health research that protects, treats and cures companion animals, horses and wildlife. MAF has been at the forefront of funding breakthrough research studies benefiting animals on all seven continents. MAF has its headquarters in Denver. Charity Navigator ranks MAF as a four-star charity, the highest rating. MAF is a BBB Wise Giving Alliance Charity Seal Holder. For more information, call 800.243.2345 or visit MorrisAnimalFoundation.org.