Grayson College Rotaract

Grayson College Rotaract Recognizes Barnard and DAWG

Grayson College’s Rotaract Club celebrated its second year as a club sponsored by the Grayson County Rotary. As part of its year end celebration, GC Rotaract President, Christina Childress, presented the club’s 2016-17 Community Service Award to Brandy Barnard for her work with the Denison Animal Welfare Group (DAWG).

Barnard shared her story of losing her dog, recovering him, and working with friends to establish the Denison Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) in 2014.  When their first location flooded after only a year, the group moved into its current home, the old South Side Fire Station on Spur 503. Barnard emphasized the generosity of the many volunteers who donate money and care for the dogs and cats waiting to find new homes after being abandoned. She spoke of DAWG’s work with the Oklahoma Spay Network that helps to keep more stray pets from being neglected and spares adopters the responsibility and costs associated with pet care. Cats are cared for by volunteers at PetSmart and PetCo. Dogs are at Petco for adoption on Saturdays from 10-4.

Barnard spoke enthusiastically about the upcoming DAWG 5K run and shorter walking event for raising funds that will take place in Heritage Park on Saturday May 12 from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Runners and walkers may register and enjoy the exercise and the support of a truly deserving cause. Leashed and friendly pets are welcome to join in the fun!

In addition to recognizing Barnard and her service, Childress presented a check for funds raised for End Polio Now to Grayson County Rotarian Terry Everett.  The Grayson County Rotary will double the check before sending it on to Rotary International. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will triple the donation in support of the goal of eliminating polio.

GC’s Rotaract meets during the academic year twice monthly with students from a wide variety of majors. They volunteer with local Rotarians and have traveled to Dallas to help Fair Park Rotarians staff the Texas Discovery Gardens during the Texas State Fair. The group raises funds for Rotary International’s End Polio Now vaccination campaign so that they give locally and globally, reflecting the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self—He Profits Most Who Serves Best.” GC professor Jean Sorensen and librarian Alvin Bailey sponsor the campus organization.