STAUNTON, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Shenandoah Valley Kiwanis Club and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank are teaming up during Hunger Action Month to address a growing concern in the Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County area: food insecurity among school‑aged children. Their solution is a community-wide contest to crown the “Coolest Pet in the Shenandoah Valley” for 2026.

According to spokesperson Les Sinclair, 1 in 3 of the Food Bank’s guests is a child. Without proper nutrition, children are more likely to face health challenges, developmental delays, and difficulties in school and social settings. This creative fundraiser aims to raise awareness about childhood hunger while generating support for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank’s School Break Box program, which provides easy‑to‑prepare, non‑perishable food for children and families during school holiday breaks when school meals are unavailable.

“A full plate is a bridge to a brighter tomorrow, and that begins with our children. The Food Bank cannot do what we do without community support, so when organizations like the Shenandoah Valley Kiwanis Club step up to help raise money for our programs with creative fundraising projects like this, it lifts the entire community,” said Kari Diener, Chief Executive Officer of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

“We wanted to create a fun way to raise money while calling attention to this serious problem in our community,” said Jan Mangun, contest team leader for the Shenandoah Valley Kiwanis Club. In alignment with our mission, we believe in a world where children can learn and grow without worrying about their next meal. People love their pets—they’re part of the family. This contest enables people to promote their cool pets by getting friends, relatives, and co‑workers to vote, and at the same time support children in our community in this important way.”

How the Contest Works

  • Entry fee: $10 (includes 10 votes)
  • Voting: $1 per vote; anyone can vote; no limit on number of votes
  • Timeline:
    • Entries open September 8, 2026
    • Voting runs September 8, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET through September 29, 2026, at 9:00 PM ET
  • Prizes:
    • First, second, and third place winners will receive prizes and recognition.
      • First Place receives a full-size stick and peel see-through vinyl banner for the rear window of their vehicle, a “Coolest Pet” front yard sign, a basket of pet supplies and treats or a gift certificate to an area pet store, plus a feature post on the Shenandoah Valley Kiwanis Club’s Facebook page.
      • 2nd Place: A featured photo on the Shenandoah Valley Kiwanis Club’s Facebook page, a gift basket of pet supplies and treats, or a gift certificate to an area pet store.
      • 3rd Place: A featured photo on the Shenandoah Valley Kiwanis Club’s Facebook page, a gift basket of pet supplies and treats, or a gift certificate to an area pet store.

To enter, vote, or view official rules, visit www.brafb.org/pets.