Guests at the wedding were P.J., a poodle and Thelma Lulu, a basset hound. Doggie biscuits were provided for the canines. Pet Fashion Show and Doggie Musical Chairs presented at the Regional Institute for Children and Karen Haynes coordinated Adolescents in May. Mary Hasler, volunteer coordinator at RICA called to say it was a huge success. RICA has about 40 residential students and others who are transported by bus daily to school. Often there are some kids who are not picked up by their families for Christmas or other holidays and some don't get visits from family or friends.
Volunteers are an important part of the school's experience.
The POW pet visit s provide a fun time for the students and help them receive unconditional acceptance that they often don't receive from many other people outside of the therapeutic environment of the school. RICA serves Prince George's County, Charles County, St. Mary's, and Calvert Counties in Maryland. The schools operate under auspices of the MD Department of Mental Health and Hygiene. First prize went to volunteer Bernice Bangs who received 2 tickets for the Spirit of Washington Dinner Cruise on the Potomac. Second prize was 6 Bowie Baysox tickets and third prize was 2 dinner tickets to TGIF Fridays.