Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) hosted several community organizations to hold the first PetPalooza at Guy B. Love Towers on Aug. 29 to provide pet owners with resources for animal care, along with toys, portraits and giveaways.
“Our goal is always to provide not just a safe and welcoming home, but also a place where our partners can bring needed resources onsite for residents,” KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley said. “Making sure our residents at Love Towers have what they need for their pets is part of that outreach, and we appreciate all of the community partners who took the time to participate.”
Abby Moazen, a local Girl Scout and originator of the idea for the first PetPalooza at Love Towers, stands behind an event table carrying supplies for pet owners.
Event partners included Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians (GSCSA), University of Tennessee Center for Veterinary Social Work, Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC), Young-Williams Animal Center and Companion Animal Initiative of Tennessee (CAIT). Costco donated food and pet supplies.
Residents also learned about “Knox PAWS” and “Feed-a-Pet” programs from CAC, which place animals with seniors for companionship and provide pet food to pet owners.
Abby Moazen, a Girl Scout from Troop 22040, had the original idea for PetPalooza in order to eventually earn the Girl Scout Bronze Award, one of the highest honors a Girl Scout junior (fourth and fifth graders) can earn that recognizes community outreach.
“I’m so happy to have been able to serve my community and see this event become a reality,” Moazen said. “Pets are family and for us to be able to provide any sort of help or assistance to make sure the people who live here have what they need for their pet family members means a lot to me.”
GSCSA CEO Lynn Fugate said, “Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians exists to not only lay a foundation for courage, confidence, character and leadership skills, but also to help our community where we can. We’re all proud to help bring Abby’s vision to life and to see her continue to be a leader at such a young age.”
Love Towers, located at 1171 Armstrong Ave., in North Knoxville is a high-rise property with two seven-story apartment buildings that provide safe, comfortable housing for seniors, disabled and near-elderly individuals. The property underwent extensive renovation in 2022.