Paws For Mental Health is a dog-friendly community walk to bring mental health and animal welfare to the forefront. In 2025, the club hosted our 1st annual Paws For Mental Health 5K, raising nearly $3,000 and used those funds to invest in more Hope Gardens in the community.

Now in 2026, we are moving the event to Riverside Park in Presque Isle and have expanded the event to include a timed 5K walk/run as well as an untimed 1 mile fun run (or walk!) Funds raised from this event will be used to to bring speakers to the local schools and help with local efforts to break the stigma of mental illness.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

8:00AM-8 Registration for 5K Walkers and Runners

8 Route Course and Safety Meeting

8 5K START

9:00-9:30AM Registration for the 1 mile walk

9:30AM 5K Race Results, 1 Mile Walk Route Review and Safety Meeting

9 1 Mile Walk Start

10:00AM- 12:00PM Community Celebration. Check out the food trucks, live music from the Mark Shaw Band, on site vendors, and Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce Craft and Vendor Fair (located inside the Sargent Community Center).

_HOW DOES THIS EVENT RAISE FUNDS?_ Participants can raise funds to support the initiatives if they choose by making personal donations or soliciting pledges/sponsorships from their family and friends, but donations are NOT required. Click here to access our online donation form or here to access a printable pledge sheet that can be returned (with all pledged funds) on the day of the event.

_DO I HAVE TO HAVE A DOG TO PARTICIPATE?_ NO! While participants are invited to bring their four legged companions, this event is open to anyone in our community!