North County Charity Dog Walk Gains National Recognition

Oceanside, Calif., May 11, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Although it is only celebrating its second annual running in a few weeks, Tri-City Hospital Foundation’s and Tri-City Hospital Auxiliary’s Tails on the Trails charity dog walk is making a huge impression on the national fundraising and healthcare space.

On May 4, 2015, the Auxiliary and the event were honored with the American Hospital Association’s Hospital Award for Volunteer Excellence (HAVE) in the Fundraising category at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Tails on the Trails and the organization were selected from 17 national competitors for executing an innovative event that effectively supports a positive, more visible perception of the health and hospital system at home and across the country. A collective of volunteer services directors provided their recommendations for top contenders, which were then vetted by the HAVE National Committee, comprised of volunteers and auxiliary members from all over the country.  

“Especially with such a new event, it was a pleasant surprise and huge honor to be chosen,” says Auxuliary President Sandy Tucker, who accepted the award in Washington. “I’m so grateful to my wonderful team of human and canine volunteers who made Tails on the Trails a success from the start, and I’m looking forward to inspiring other organizations and building an even stronger event as a result.”  

“As a fellow nonprofit supporting Tri-City Medical Center and events like Tails on the Trails, we couldn’t be prouder of this recognition for the Auxiliary,” comments Glen Newhart, CFRE, Executive Director of Tri-City Hospital Foundation. “The fact that we are on this level just two years in is incredible. This will pave the way to greater successes and more powerful advances for our organizations and the hospital itself.”

Those who want to experience the award-winning event itself – and work toward a healthier North County community – are encouraged to head to Oceanside’s Mance Buchanon Municipal Park on Sat., May 30, 2015. From 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., attendees and their furry friends can walk for a cause and experience live entertainment, K-9 squad demonstrations, pet adoption opportunities and more along the way. Registration is $25 per pet and directly benefits the Tri-City Medical Center Pet Therapy Program, the Special Care Foundation for Companion Animals, Tender Loving Canine Assistance Dogs for Wounded Warriors and Tri-City Hospital Foundation. Details are available at NorthCountyDogWalk.org.

To find out more about Tri-City Hospital Foundation and how you can support an innovative healthcare environment at Tri-City Medical Center, visit TriCityHospitalFoundation.org or call (760) 940-3370. To learn more about the Tri-City Hospital Auxiliary and its numerous volunteer opportunities, visit TriCityHospitalVolunteers.org or call (760) 940-3125. 

About Tri-City Hospital Foundation

For more than 50 years, Tri-City Hospital Foundation has served as a link between the community and the hospital. Since its inception in 1964, the Foundation has provided over $45 million in grants to Tri-City Medical Center. Many of the hospital's most mission-critical facilities have been supported in whole or part by Foundation initiatives.  For more information or to become a donor, please visit www.tricityhospitalfoundation.org.

About Tri-City Hospital Auxiliary

Tri-City Hospital Auxiliary was formed in 1958 by the women of the three districts. 650 Senior, Student and Junior Volunteers give an average of 80,000 hours of service every year to the Medical Center. The Auxiliary also raises money for high school and college student scholarships. This year, 75 students received $72,000 worth of scholarships. In addition, the Auxiliary has presented over $1,000,000 to the Medical Center in cash donations. For more information, please visit www.TriCityHospitalVolunteers.org.

About Tri-City Medical Center

Tri-City Medical Center has served its community for over 50 years and is full service, acute-care hospital in Oceanside, Calif. with a primary care clinic and over 500 physicians practicing in 60 specialties. Its Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission recognizes its commitment to safe and effective patient care for the residents of the community it serves. It operates the only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in North County as well as an Orthopaedic & Spine Institute and Cardiovascular Health Institute; along with the Tri-City Wellness Center in Carlsbad, Calif., recognized as one of the best wellness centers in San Diego County. It also specializes in women’s health, robotic surgery, cancer and emergency care.  Selected from over 5,700 hospitals, Tri-City Medical Center has been recognized as an innovator in medical treatments, research, technology and care delivery as well as an anchor of health in the country. For more information about Tri-City Medical Center and Tri-City Healthcare District, please visit TriCityMed.org.