TODAY's Jill Rappaport Hosts TRAVELS WITH CHARLEY to Benefit ARF and Bay Street Theatre Today

Bay Street Theatre is partnering with Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) in honoring Steinbeck Weekend by presenting the "Travels With Charley" Dog Walk today, May 4 at 8:30 am. Jill Rappaport, TODAY show correspondent and award-winning animal advocate, serves as celebrity host along with Barbara Slifka as Honorary Chair. Dogs and their owners will start the walk at Haven's Beach. (Water will be available for both dogs and owners along the way.) The walk finishes at Bay Street Theatre, where there will be a "Bagels and Bones" reception immediately after the walk. A Grand Prize will be given to the person that raises the most money.

The Dog Walk is similar to a 5k or walk-a-thon. There's an entrance fee of $25 ($35 day of event) and funds are raised when entrants ask folks to sponsor them with a donation. A grand prize will be awarded to the person who brings in the most amount of money raised. Proceeds from this fundraiser benefit ARF and Bay Street Theatre.

"We wanted to do something a little different to honor Steinbeck Weekend in Sag Harbor," says Tracy Mitchell, Executive Director for Bay Street Theatre, "and Steinbeck's 'Travels With Charley' seemed like the perfect theme and ARF is the perfect partner for this event."

Sponsor sheets are available at Bay Street Theatre Box Office (631-725-9500) or at ARF located at 90 Daniels Hole Road, East Hampton (631 537-0400). All proceeds benefit ARF and Bay Street Theatre.

"ARF is thrilled to be partnering with Bay Street for this special dog walk, says Sara Davison, Executive Director of ARF. " We're looking forward to bringing some ARF dogs to do the walk and maybe get adopted!"

Host Jill Rappaport says, "I can't think of a better way to spend a Hampton's day than walking my dogs, who at one time were all strays, for this wonderful event in May!"

In 1960, John Steinbeck set off from his home in Sag Harbor with his French poodle, Charley, to drive cross country. He would travel alone, stay at campgrounds and talk to the locals along the way. Steinbeck's book-length account of his journey, "Travels With Charley," became a best-seller.

To participate, dog owners may pick up forms in advance at Bay Street Theatre on the Long Wharf in Sag Harbor or at ARF which is located at 90 Daniels Hole Road in East Hampton. You can also download forms from www.baystreet.org. Sign-ups on site at Havens Beach on May 4 take place from 7:30 am - 8:30 am.

For more information about Bay Street Theatre, log on to www.baystreet.org. For more information about ARF, log on to www.arfhamptons.org.

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