Paws For The Cause
Walkathon
2005 to 2020
Rare Photo From the 2006 Walkathon - courtesy of the Taos News
After 16 years of brutal walks and sore feet, the final Paws For The Cause Walkathon ended on December 21, 2020. The walk commenced in 2005 as a 27 mile stroll from the Taos Ski Valley to the Stakeout restaurant in Ranchos De Taos. The event was the brainchild of Ben Mitchell, son of Leanne Mitchell, President of TFFF, with Ben marching every year until 2018 when the format was switched to a virtual walk. As the main fundraiser for the charity, over $300,000 was raised during its 16 year history. In conjunction with the event, a party and silent auction was hosted by the Stakeout Restaurant until its closure, then the Sagebrush Inn and the Bent Masonic Lodge of Taos. Party attendees enjoyed musical performances by leading Taos entertainers: Jimmy Stadler, the Jenny Vincent Trio, Kim Treiber, Billy Stewart, Billy and Johnny Archuleta and many more.
According to Ms. Mitchell, "Paws For The Cause was vital for funding the charity. To garner donations, we had signup sheets at businesses all around Taos and would phone as many people as we could to get pledges. Unfortunately, the pandemic made signup sheets impractical. Telephoning became less productive due to the overwhelming popularity of cell phones with unlisted phone numbers and some donors, bombarded with countless scam and robot calls, had sincere privacy concerns. Beginning in 2021, we will now reach out to supporters primarily via mail to raise funds and to discuss local animal welfare issues."
The official walkers included (in chronological order): Ben Mitchell (Taos High), Zack Draim (Taos High), Miguel Robles (Taos High), Mish Rosete (Taos High), Marc Kaplan (former Marketing Director of Taos Mountain Casino), Dr. Kim Sides (owner of Salazar Road Veterinary Clinic), Pamela Guyer (owner of Taos Spa and Tennis Club), Susan Ammann (owner of the Ammann Gallery) and Sue Kelly (owner of Acorn Graphics). Many others joined the event as guests and friends. Thank you to all of them!
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Paws For The Cause Photo Gallery
From 2020: Leanne and the team discussing the new walkathon route
L - R: Susan Ammann, Leanne Mitchell, Dr. Kim Sides, Sue Kelly
From 2019: Leanne and the walkers show the way north to Alaska
L - R: Leanne Mitchell, Sue Kelly, Dr. Kim Sides, Susan Ammann
From 2018: Discussing strategy with at the start of the first Virtual Walkathon
L -R: Leanne Mitchell, Susan Ammann, Dr. Kim Sides, Sue Kelly
Mish Rosete* (left) and Ben Mitchell**
*2007 - 2017 Walker **2005 - 2017 Walker
These two young men, friends since Taos High, trekked 648 miles to raise money for TFFF!
Dr. Kim Sides from the Salazar Road Veterinary Clinic
2012 - 2020 Walker
Dr. Kim Sides is owner of Salazar Road Veterinary Clinic in Taos. With a staff of four full time veterinarians, Dr. Sides manages the largest veterinary practice in Taos County. From the very start, Dr. Sides' dedication and generosity has been instrumental to making TFFF a success!
Marc Kaplan
2008 -2011 Walker
Marc Kaplan is a veteran and the former Marketing Director for Taos Mountain Casino.
After four long walks, Marc retired in 2012 and is currently resting his sore feet in Phoenix, AZ.
From 2009: Our three intrepid walkers, high up in the Taos Ski Valley, begin their journey.
Left to Right: Ben Mitchell, Marc Kaplan, Mish Rosete
From 2011: The walkers enjoy a well-deserved snack courtesy of the Taos Cow
in Arroyo Seco.
The Taos Cow and Abe's were favorite stops for refreshments! YUM! YUM!
From 2012: The walkers begin at Taos Ski Valley on a frosty October morning!
Left to Right: Ben, Dr. Kim, Mish and Audrey (now married!)