Funspot making plans to host Annual Indoor Triathlon to benefit Humane Society

Funspot's Annual Indoor Triathlon to benefit the N.H. Humane Society has become something of a Spring tradition, much looked forward to by many who are frankly sick and tired of winter, and need any excuse to get out of the house, so, save the date, Saturday March 14 will be the day to be at Funspot in Weirs Beach. The theme this year will be "It's a Dog's Life".

Presenting sponsors Franklin Savings Bank, who last year sent a contingent of personnel dressed in decidedly un-bank like garb in keeping with the "Ides of March" theme, were “honored to be asked to support again this year”, so says Sarah Stanley, assistant vice president for Marketing & Community Relations. In fact we hear the four person team is already practicing albeit covertly, sharpening their bowling, golf and dart skills in the hopes of clinching the triathlon championship in ’09.

The Lawton family and Funspot, along with media sponsors, Northeast Broadcasting, are both heavily invested in the New Hampshire Humane Society — being strong supporters and advocates for animal welfare issues. Proceeds from the Annual Indoor Triathlon will be donated to the shelter on Meredith Center Road. The Indoor Tri brainchild of Starr Lawton, who can be found, pulling pints regularly behind the bar at the D.A. Long Tavern, approached New Hampshire Humane Society Development Director Marylee Gorham with a crazy, novel idea one bleak winter, “why not host a triathlon for everyone else, those less athletically inclined folk, who enjoy a good time and support animal welfare?” It’s an idea that really took off, now gathering momentum since the first event in 2002. More teams playing ardently for the most points to win the coveted trophy and other prizes, with early registrants, Laconia Police Department, The Looney Bin, Sanel’s Auto Parts, Concord Hospital, and others pledged even before the news hit the streets.

Gorham spokesperson for the shelter explains “I know lots of other businesses are in the process of rounding up their staff to get teams together. It’s probably a good idea to start practicing early this year, since the competition is fierce. Even the shelter likes to finish high in the rankings, we came in a very respectable 5th last year, and plan to smoke the opposition this year, with at least a 3rd place finish”.

What better way to get off the sofa, enjoy a little not too taxing exercise with bowling, simulated and miniature golf, pinball and darts, eat that famous Funspot pizza, lunch is part of the registration fee, along with goodie bags and other giveaways? The festivities begin at noon with a 4 p.m. finish to be considered for the points tally.

New this year, raise pledges in addition to the registration fee, all tax deductible as allowed by law, and be eligible for additional prizes. For information about pledge raising, go to the society website at www.nhhumane.org.

Also added, raffle tables, laden with prizes, which anyone can win for just a few dollars. And, the 50/50 raffle, one lucky person will leave with more cash in their pockets than they started.

Register your four person team, all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate; call 366-4377, stop by the world’s largest arcade, or check out www.FunspotNH.com.

Oh, and to make things interesting, It’s a Dogs Life” is the theme for 2009, figure out how best to dress your team and be awarded a special prize.

New Hampshire Humane Society is a private no kill animal shelter committed to finding permanent loving homes for all the animals residing there, without concern about length of time spent waiting for a home. or space constraints. All animals receive full behavioral and medical vetting, are spayed and neutered, free of internal parasites, fully vaccinated, heartworm tested, FELV-AIDS tested, and micro-chipped prior to re-homing.