(L- R) Jeannie Frazier- Scott, volunteer coordinator for Project Pet; Natasha Achberger, development associate for Project Pet; Megan Plott, Lake Carolina events coordinator; Kristy Barnes, Lake Carolina marketing director; Amanda Bartlett, Lake Carolina marketing coordinator; David Tuttle, president of Lake Carolina Development, Inc. and Vivian Byrd, Dog Eared Corner owner. Pets are Suzie- Q, Crosby, Belle, and Thumper. Lake Carolina's Bark in the Park benefit event raised $2,140 for Project Pet on Saturday, June 27.

The event, which also celebrated the opening of Lake Carolina's new dog park, brought families from all over South Carolina together for a cause. Approximately 150 families registered at the event and helped Lake Carolina raise money to allow Project Pet to care for more animals during this difficult economic time.

"We are so pleased to be giving back to the community in such a big way," said David Tuttle, president of Lake Carolina Development, Inc. "We are constantly trying to create a better experience for our Lake Carolinians; so when they asked, we delivered. It's a great honor to host such an important event at the new Dog Park."

Lake Carolina merchant, A Dog Eared Corner, co- sponsored Bark in the Park with Lake Carolina Development. There were a total of 15 local vendors who participated in the Bark in the Park festivities by providing food, activities and entertainment to guests.

Project Pet is a 501 (c) 3 not- for- profit animal rescue organization located in Columbia.

For more information about Bark in the Park, contact Megan Plott, Lake Carolina's event coordinator, at mplott@-lakecarolina.com or (803) 865-5452.