Join the Paws coalition to help wildlife affected by oil leak

The Join the Paws coalition invites community members of Monmouth and Ocean counties to dance for wildlife in the midst of the British Petroleum oil leak.

The wildlife casualties are adding up, with 18 dolphins, 183 sea turtles and 23 birds dead as of May 27. Join the Paws seeks donations to help protect over 400 species of wildlife suffering in the millions of gallons of oil that have oozed into the water since the April 20 rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico, according to a press release from Join the Paws.

The dance fundraising event on June 19 is supported by Join the Paws, a coalition of veterinarians, business professionals and local animal lovers who first came together to support animals affected by the Haiti earthquake.

“Dance for Wildlife” will be held in the parking lot of Bayview Animal Hospital, 574 Fischer Blvd., Toms River, beginning at 10 a.m. Dance classes will approximately start at 11 a.m. For a $15 donation, each participant will get three dance lessons — Zumba, Body Jam and Body Combat. Attendees will also receive free giveaways for furry companions and food courtesy of Muscle Maker Grill in Toms River.

“Anything for animals,” Danielle Ippolito, an instructor at Zumba Fitness, said.N

orthStar VETS in Millstone, Bayview Animal Hospital in Toms River, Oxygen Fitness and Sports Club in Bayville, and Muscle Maker Grill in Toms River are all contributing to the efforts of raising funds for wildlife affected by the oil leak.

The coalition’s campaign began online via Twitter and Facebook and now has over 500 followers, fans and organizations dedicated to this cause.

To make an online contribution to Join the Paws via Paypal, visit www.northstarvets. com.