Best Friends–Utah makes new friends

Best Friends at Utah Pride 2016
Staff and volunteers share the Best Friends message in Utah Pride Festival
By Nicole Hamilton

Best Friends–Utah staff and volunteers got out and about with Utahns who were letting their rainbow flags fly when they took part in the 41st annual Utah Pride Festival last weekend in Salt Lake City. Best Friends–Utah was there with a booth to let festival-goers know about the good work happening for pets in Utah, and how they can help.

On Sunday, Best Friends staff and volunteers took part in the parade, joining many local business and organizations.

“It was a great weekend, and we are always honored to be a part of it,” said Kim McDaniel, communication manager for Best Friends–Utah.

Festival fashion so fab that it saves lives

Best Friends-themed clothing, which includes T-shirts and muscle tanks, as well as special-edition trucker hats, were popular items at the Best Friends booth. In fact, the Utah team sold more than $5,300 in Best Friends merchandise in just two days, with all the profit going directly to help homeless pets. 

A parade to celebrate compassion for all

The parade was a sun-filled celebration. “Even walking to your place in the parade and getting ready was fun. Everyone was bidding each other ‘Happy Pride,’” said Kim, who walked with nearly 30 Best Friends volunteers and staff.

Kim brought along cat sunglasses and Best Friends T-shirts for the team to wear. But the best attire may have been from a volunteer carrying a Best Friends banner at the front of the group, with her exposed pregnant belly painted in the colors of the rainbow.

“We loved taking part in the festival and parade, and it’s something we look forward to doing every year,” said Kim.

 

Get involved with Best Friends–Utah at utah.bestfriends.org/get-involved
Pick up our special edition Pride t-shirts and trucker hats at the Pet Adoption Center! Hours and directions at utah.bestfriends.org/adoption-center.