The Capital Area Humane Society is the lead agency in Franklin County investigating cases of animal cruelty, abuse and neglect. Its work has been critical to the health, safety and vitality of our community for more than 125 years. CAHS has commissioned humane agents who investigate more than 7,000 reports of animal abuse, neglect and abandonment. Capital Area Humane Society's Animal Cruelty Investigations is the only charitably funded law enforcement function in Franklin County. With very limited government funding, the program continues to rely on the generosity of our community to continue to provide these services.

The Annual Defend Your Friend 5K continues to grow each year and raise much needed money for this important department. Your support of this event makes a difference in the lives of the animals in central Ohio.

The first three years have steadily grown in both participation (human and pet!) and funds raised. The event has grown from a first year participation level in 2007 of 230 runners netting more than $7,300 in profits to last year with more than 270 runners netting more than $11,400. This increase was due, in part, to the addition of new on¬line fundraising capabilities in 2009. In the last three years, more than $27,400 in profits has been raised.

OPTION 1: If you'd like to make a donation to the Defend Your Friend 5K and the Animal Cruelty Investigations Program, please see the "Make a Contribution" box below. Simply select your desired level or enter in your own amount and click "Continue." To make a donation to an existing fundraising team, you can search for the team name using the search boxes at the top of this page. ALL DONATIONS ARE SECURE AND TAX DEDUCTIBLE!

OPTION 2: If you'd like to become a fundraiser for the Defend Your Friend 5K by creating your own web page (IT'S EASY!) and e-mailing your friends and family, please click on the tab above titled "Become A Fundraiser". You can register as an individual fundraiser or as a fundraising team. The top individual and team fundraiser will receive prizes and be recognized on race day.

Fundraisers who wish to participate in the race can earn a DISCOUNT on your registration fee depending on the amount raised.

Fundraisers who raise $100 will receive 25% off their registration fee. $250 raised will earn you 50% off and for $500 or more your registration is free! WAIT to register until you've reached the desired level and then email: defendyourfriend@gmail.com for your coupon code.

OPTION 3: To register for the Defend Your Friend 5K, simply click on "Register for This Event" above.

RACE INFORMATION: Date: Thursday, August 12, 2010 @ 7:00 PM

Address: Homestead Park 4675 Cosgray Road, Hilliard

To find out more about this event and the Capital Area Humane Society, visit: www.cahs-pets.org

Special thanks to our Sponsors:

Leader of the Pack:

Front Runners:

The Buggy Family

Samuel H. Shamansky Co. LPA

Pack Runners:

Dewey's Pizza

G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Columbus

Lisa & "Jack" Riemenschneider

Panera Bread

PetPeople

Pack Supporters:

Andy Warnock; Animal Care Unlimited; Best Buy; Cameron Mitchell Restaurants; Dick's Sporting Goods; Pet Palace; Play It Again Sports; Pirate's Booty Snacks; Pressworks; SNAP Fitness/Upper Arlington; The Sports Barn; William & Rebecca Hinga.

Other Donors:

Buffalo Wild Wings/Hilliard; The JM Smucker Company; The KONG Company

Thank you and see you at the race!