CHAIRE Presents: Family-Animal Interaction Day

Nov. 2, 2021
Young child touching a turtle that is being held over a table by a volunteer

Our third annual fundraising event took place one month ago today! On Saturday, October 2nd at the Ohio State Equine Center, CHAIRE hosted our fundraiser in a brand new format. This year's event featured a festival-style afternoon of animals interactions and demonstrations, kids' games, educational opportunities, a silent auction, music, and food trucks. This was a record-breaking fundraising event for CHAIRE, while also fulfilling CHAIRE's mission to expand our knowledge of the interrelationships between people, animals, and the environment. The funds raised will help us continue our mission and create even more opportunities for research, education, and outreach for our CHAIRE community.

Event partners included Cat Welfare Association, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, COSI, Department of Animal Sciences, the Flint Family, Great Pets, Ohio Wildlife Center, Ohio School of Falconry, Ohio State Equine Program, Ohio State Insectary, Pilot Dogs, and Waterman Dairy Farm. These generous partners collaborated with us to bring a variety of live animals to the event, to offer guests the opportunity to engage with animals of various species and roles, including companion animals, working animals, livestock animals, and exotic animals. Speakers at the event included Dr. Kelly George, CHAIRE Co-Director, and Dr. Graham Cochran, CFAES Associate Dean, Operations and ACEL Professor.

We were honored to host over 100 attendees, with incredible help from the Human-Animal Interactions Club, Animal Welfare & Behavior Club, and Zoo, Wildlife, and Conservation Medicine Club. Additionally, music and tech support were provided by the OSU DJ Club, and delicious food and drink served by Skyward Grille and Foxfire Tacos food trucks.

"Great event. My family had a lot of fun!" ~Heather, Facebook

CHAIRE is especially grateful for the support of our Event Sponsors, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Ed & Ellen Klopfer, Petland, and Wendy's, and for our 17 Silent Auction Community Partners. This event would not have been possible without their generous support! 

"A really fun day for families, thank you!" ~Mark, Email

We hope to see at the event next year!

Watch the video below for a recap of the event, and click here to see more: Photo Album