Creating Connections. Changing Lives. by Anna Cooke. Photographs, courtesy of Melanie Casey.
Understandably, the work at PAR, Psychological Assessment Resources, is pretty serious stuff. The independently-owned and operated company, based in Lutz, Florida, has grown from its modest beginnings, 38 years ago, into a leading publisher of psychological assessment materials for schools, hospitals and correctional facilities.
new captain for their Bark in the Park team, PARty Animals. “As a dog lover, I jumped at the challenge to rally our team to continue to win the top fundraising spot for Bark in the Park,” said Melanie. During the March 2017 Bark in the
PARty Animals team: PAR employees, family members, and four-legged friends prepare for a mile-long walk March 25 during Bark in the Park at Curtis Hixon Park.
Finding something to do outside of
work that is lighthearted and a fun way to connect with fellow employees while giv- ing back to the community has always been a part of the corporate culture at PAR. The company’s owners, Bob and Cathy Smith, have instilled their spirit of giving back to their community in their employees by example. In 2009 the couple received the Spirit of Philanthropy award from the Suncoast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals for “living the spirit of giving.” Several times over the past 10 years, PAR has also received the United Way’s Spirit Award. As dog lovers who are owned by Sadie
and Rylie, a couple of Golden Retrievers, the Smiths are also supporters of the Humane Society of Tampa Bay (HSTB). The shelter’s annual Bark in the Park has been a great team building opportunity for PAR employees over the last eight years the company has been participating. When Melanie Casey first started working at PAR, two years ago, the company needed a
50 THE NEW BARKER
Park, the PARty Animals team consisted of 32 walkers, including spouses and kids, rais- ing $7640 for HSTB. “Last year we raised $7480 and I hope to top $8000 in 2018,” said Melanie. The winning team received a Columbia Restaurant gift certificate. “We enjoyed a nice lunch in our warehouse a few weeks after Bark in the Park,” said Melanie. The last five years, PARty Animals has been the team to beat for raising the most money for HSTB dur- ing Bark in the Park, earning them the designation “Top Pack.”
Melanie fell in love with dogs years ago while
living in Germany with her husband Paul and their young family. “I felt it was the right time for us, as a family, to have a dog,” she said. “So I started researching, and it became a choice between the German Shepherd Dog and the Dachshund.” Since their home was a tiny stairwell apartment, the family decided on a Dachshund. They have had Heidi, born in
Germany, since she was just five weeks old. “She is 14 years old now and I would have 10 if my husband let me,” laughed Melanie. Over the years, Melanie has volun-
teered for DARE (Dachshund Adoption Rescue & Education) including doing cler- ical work and helping with transports. In addition to Heidi, the family is loved by two other five year-old Dachshunds, Draeger and Crosby, a DARE dog. “Crosby is everybody’s friend,” said Melanie. Rounding out the family is Echo, a four year-old Siberian Husky, and four cats. “Heidi is the boss and tells everybody what to do,” Melanie added. “I just love the Dachshund’s personality.
(Above): SUMMER CASEY AND CROSBY ARE READY TO HIKE. Crosby is from DARE. Last year, the family hiked the Appalachian Trail with Crosby. “He walked six miles straight, and never tired out,” said Melanie. (Right): Summer, Crosby, and Paul Casey (carrying Draeger).
PAR CEO Kristin Greco (left, pushing son Chase) and her father, PAR
Executive Chairman and Founder Bob Smith, walk along the Hillsborough River during Bark in the Park.
www.TheNewBarker.com
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