All proceeds from the FurFest will benefit the SPCA of East Texas in Tyler. (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph File)

This Saturday, Rose Rudman Park will be the place to be for dog lovers as it will be home to the first-ever FurFest 5K Dog Walk and Expo. The event is the brainchild of Nash Jones, an eighth grade student at All Saints Episcopal School in Tyler.

Nash organized the event, which invites community members and their dogs to participate in the 5K and day of fun, as part of his school project. The cost to participate is $15 per family, and all proceeds benefit the SPCA of East Texas.

“I really wanted to do this for the pets that are at the SPCA, as they can’t communicate with us,” Nash said. “I feel like we’re kind of just speaking for them and how it’s not fair for them to be in adoption centers and not in a home with people who would love them.”

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rose Rudman Park, located at 450 Shiloh Road in Tyler, FurFest will feature a 5K walk, food trucks, and craft stations where attendees can make dog toys and collars. There will also be a photo booth.

According to Nash, eighth grade classes at All Saints Episcopal School have been working on ‘make a difference’ projects annually, partnering with nonprofit organizations to identify needs and find ways to help. Since October, Nash and his classmates have been researching various organizations, visiting a couple of them in person to take photos and make notes on what stood out to them during their visits.

“I went to the SPCA, and they were talking about how overcrowded they are,” Nash said. “They explained how stressful it’s been for them with so many dogs and cats coming in, and it really stood out to me.”

He said he also liked how the volunteers were passionate about working there.

“They were talking about how they don’t get paid but how much they really love what they do and how much they love caring for these animals,” Nash said. “You could really see how much effort they put into the facility… it really reflects on how much they care about volunteering.”

The SPCA of East Texas, located at 3245 W. Grande Boulevard in Tyler, is a nonprofit, foster-based animal rescue dedicated to improving the lives of animals in the community. The organization works to alleviate animal suffering and promote humane treatment through rescue, adoption, education, and affordable spay and neuter services.

Emily Heglund, executive director of the SPCA of East Texas, said she first met Nash a few months ago during a ‘career day-type presentation’ at All Saints.

“He and his fellow students were so impressive,” she said. “They all had custom business cards made, and all shook hands and introduced themselves to me.”

In addition to the 5K and food trucks, Nash’s classmates will showcase their creativity with handmade items for sale, including snuffle mats and custom collars.

To register for the 5K, visit tinyurl.com/nhz2waj8.

“We are thrilled to be supporting FurFest and are so grateful that Nash and his family have such a heart for pets,” Heglund said. “We can’t wait to get out and meet all the FurFest attendees and their furry companions.”

For more information about adopting or fostering through SPCA of East Texas, visit spcaeasttx.com.