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Dads and Dawgs supports Grass Roots Rescue

Eric and Maryanne Williams of Wilmington adopted Sandy Ana during the Dads and Dawgs Grass Roots Rescue adoption event at Paradise Grill June 15. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
June 21, 2025

Paradise Grill in Long Neck played host to Dads and Dawgs June 15, an event where attendees could celebrate Father’s Day and make donations, pet or adopt a pup from Grass Roots Rescue, a local canine foster-based rescue in Milton. 

Along with the Grass Roots Rescue crew, other vendors were on hand.

A Dads and Dawgs T-shirt sale and raffle raised funds for the rescue. Grass Roots Rescue will receive more than $1,000 from the event. 

Grass Roots Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dog rescue on the Eastern Shore that doesn’t discriminate against any dog based on breed, age or medical condition. The group also doesn’t shy away from those that are in need of extensive medical care, rehabilitation or will require additional work and resources. 

A hot dog-eating contest made for an exciting event on the beach stage. Del Made apparel was also debuted at the establishment. 

Kirby and Holloway donated the hot dogs for the event. 

Two dogs were adopted at the event, and others have pending applications. 

“I want to thank everyone involved in supporting Grass Roots Rescue at the Paws in Paradise adoption and donation drive,” said GRR volunteer Sherri Cook. “It was such a fun event where people could meet adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes. We are looking forward to doing this again with the great group of friends that made this happen.”

 

Big Mike took first place in the hot dog-eating contest. Shown are (l-r) Bryan Sears, chief operating officer of Paradise Companies; Ryan Stevenson, founder and owner of Shore Smoke Seasoning; Chris Turnbull, runner-up; Big Mike McLean, winner; Justin Paulson, third-place finisher; Barbara Ann Racine-Kerezsi, event director for Paradise Companies; and Anna Gravatt, marketing rep for Paradise Companies.
Barbara Ann Racine-Kerezsi, event director for Paradise Companies, gets some love from Sandy Ana before she was adopted.
Working the Grass Roots Rescue table are (l-r) volunteers Sherri Cook, Casey Gochenour and Allie Livelsberger.
Grass Roots Rescue volunteer Cliff Rose holds adoptable Casir.
Katey Megginson, left, and Brogan Callahan give a little love to Sophie Rose.
Grass Roots Rescue’s Pepper Anne gets some love during the event.
Katey Megginson, left, and Brogan Callahan give love to Sophie Rose.
Pepper Anne is held by her foster Shannon White Evans.
Archer Bortner, 3, and his dad Brent from York, Pennsylvania gets to know Pepper Anne with her foster Shannon White Evans.
Bryan Sears, chief operating officer of Paradise Companies, left, and Chloe Gravatt sell hot dogs at the event with all proceeds going to Grass Roots Rescue.
Big Mike McLean is presented with the 6-foot trophy for winning the hot dog-eating contest.
Bryan Sears, chief operating officer of Paradise Companies, gets the crowd pumped during the hot dog-eating contest.
Bonnie Lynn draws a crowd at the event.
Jax is a wonderful dog awaiting his furever home.
Throwing down some dogs are (l-r) Dylan Otto, Brody Collins and Chris Turnbull.
Contestant Nicole Spicer ate a few, but could not keep up with the prowess of Big Mike McLean.
The hot dog-eating contest brought cheers from the packed house.
Barbara Ann Racine-Kerezsi, event director for Paradise Companies, tosses Del Made coozies to the crowd.
Ryan Stevenson, founder and owner of Shore Smoke Seasoning, goes over instructions for the hot dog-eating contest.
The crowd tries for coozies from Barbara Ann Racine-Kerezsi.
Sandy Ana displayed some of her talents before being adopted.
Bonnie Lynn, right, was a popular dog at the event. She is still awaiting her furever home.

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