For Immediate Release

Monday, July 11, 2011

Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals^® Introduces Miles For Paws Charity Fitness Team to Help Win the Race to Transform NYC into a No-Kill Community

New York, NY – Monday, July 11, 2011 – Ready…set…go! Help save the lives of NYC's homeless animals by joining the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals^®' new Miles For Paws Charity Fitness team. With the launch of Miles for Paws, animal-loving athletes now have the chance to stay active while making a difference in the lives of animals in city shelters with every mile they complete. Whether walking, running, wheeling, or swimming, joining the Miles For Paws Pack means raising awareness and funds to help go the distance toward the lifesaving goals of the Mayor's Alliance.

Miles for Paws is welcoming Pack Members of all ages, abilities, and areas of interest. The only requirements are that members raise awareness among their friends and family about the Mayor's Alliance and advocate for the cause: to transform NYC into a no-kill community. Pack Members must also complete a personal fundraising webpage, which is provided upon registration. By setting up this fundraising page, Pack Members are allowing the public to easily and securely donate to the Mayor's Alliance on their behalf.

While fundraising is not a requirement, it is encouraged. Funds raised by the Miles for Paws team will directly benefit NYC's homeless animals through key Mayor's Alliance programs, including the Picasso Veterinary Fund^®, which helps to pay for lifesaving veterinary care for homeless animals who are taken in by NYC shelters, and the Wheels of Hope program, which transports thousands of animals each year from Animal Care & Control of NYC (AC&C) to other Alliance Participating Organizations (APOs) — no-kill, non-profit shelters and rescue groups with the resources to find them new homes.

The Mayor's Alliance will keep Pack Members informed about upcoming races, but members can participate in any race they wish, representing and fundraising for Miles for Paws. Races will include New York Road Runners events as well as numerous other competitions. The goal of Miles for Paws for 2011 is to build up the team with a wide variety of supporters and to ensure a larger presence within NYC's racing community; with the hopes of creating its own race in 2012.

Most running teams typically have a steep registration fee, but here's the kicker: for the first 50 Pack Members, the one-time admission fee is as low as $35; after that, the fee rises to $50. Upon registering for Miles for Paws, Pack Members will receive a link to their customized webpage where they can easily upload pictures and information to help promote their team and raise funds. Additionally, Pack Members will receive free fitness accessories, including a Miles for Paws running singlet, shoe wallet, and drawstring bag.

To jumpstart the team's efforts, the Mayor's Alliance has secured a limited number of spots in the 2011 ING New York City Marathon. All Miles for Paws NYC Marathon participants are required to fundraise a minimum of $2,600 plus the $196 registration fee, a minimum set by New York Road Runners for all ING NYC Marathon Charity Partners. Spots are limited and demand is high, so those interested should contact MilesForPaws@AnimalAllianceNYC.org as soon as possible.

For more information about Miles For Paws, to become a Pack Member, or to find out how you can support Miles For Paws even if you are not an athlete, visit www.MilesForPaws.org or e-mail MilesForPaws@AnimalAllianceNYC.org.