ORLANDO, Fla. – Nearly 400 people and their pets came together at Harbor Park for the 14th annual Paws for Peace Walk & Run, an event benefiting Harbor House of Central Florida on Saturday.
The annual 5K run and one-mile walk helps raise critical funds and awareness for the Paws for Peace Kennel, a facility located on the grounds of Harbor House’s emergency campus. The kennel provides a safe space for the pets of domestic violence survivors, addressing a heartbreaking reality: many survivors delay leaving abusive relationships out of fear for their animals’ safety.
The Paws for Peace Kennel removes that barrier by allowing survivors to bring their pets with them when they seek shelter, ensuring that no family member, human or animal, is left behind.
“I can’t imagine having to leave behind a pet to escape an abusive situation,” said Dana Marie Roquemore, who participated in Saturday’s walk. “I’m just so thankful there’s a place where people can feel safe, and their pets can feel safe too.”
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For many who came out to support the cause, the event was more than just a walk. It was a call to action.
“Seeing it, seeing this, the people, the love — we want to get more involved,” said participant Juan Sanchez. “It put a bug in us to want to do more. It comes down to love; without love there is nothing.”
News 6 helped amplify the mission earlier in the week by hosting a live phone bank before the event, which raised more than $10,000 toward the event’s $90,000 fundraising goal. Those funds help cover the cost of operating the kennel and maintaining services for both survivors and their pets.
According to the organization, as many as 71% of pet-owning women entering domestic violence shelters report that their abuser had threatened, harmed, or killed a family pet. For many survivors, the presence of an on-site kennel is the difference between staying in an unsafe situation or reaching out for help.
“This isn’t just about raising money, it’s about raising hope,” said Michelle Sperzel, CEO of Harbor House. “When survivors know they don’t have to choose between their safety and their pets, they are more empowered to leave. That’s what this event is all about.”
In addition to the walk and run, the event featured vendor booths, community resources, pet-friendly activities and an opportunity for participants to sponsor custom tiles in memory or honor of beloved pets. These tiles, which will be displayed at the Paws for Peace Kennel, help fund ongoing operations and serve as a permanent tribute to the animals that bring comfort and healing.
Community members can still support the mission by donating directly, volunteering, or getting involved with Harbor House programs throughout the year. Every contribution helps ensure that the kennel — and the survivors it serves — continue to thrive.
For more information or to get involved, visit harborhousefl.com.
