Saturday, August 20 is the date of Rescue Rally, an event that brings participants to all corners of the Northeast Kingdom while raising funds for donkeys and horses in the care of Arnold's Rescue in Brownington, including their efforts to preserve the rare French Poiteau donkey.

Rescue Rally is open to all and involves visiting any or all of 20 stops on a route that includes hidden gems of the Kingdom, like a campground on Lake Willoughby, an Amish doughnut shop, country stores and farmers markets in Newport.

Participants get a stamp at each stop and trade them at the end of the day for tickets to deposit in a bag for dozens of prizes including a round of golf, store gift cards, dining gift certificates and more. The rally ends at Arnold's Rescue at 91 Old Cemetery Lane in Brownington. There will be free hot dogs and soda for all and the chance to visit with residents of the rescue farm, including Hamilton and Misty, rare juvenile French donkeys perpetuating the Poiteau breed.

"This is an event that not only helps us care for these animals, but it's something that anyone can do in a car, motorcycle or ATV," says Bari Fischer, co-director of Arnold's Rescue. "It's a great way to see our beautiful countryside, learn about businesses they might not ever have visited, perhaps take along a neighbor or family member that can no longer drive, meet new people and see some of the 500 Poiteau donkeys on the planet."

Winning numbers will be drawn between 5:15 and 5:30 and participants should plan to arrive in time to deposit their tickets by then. Participants can start getting their stamps at any of the 20 locations at 9 a.m. on August 20.

Cards listing the stops for stickers are a suggested $20 donation and can be purchased at the Browning ton Community Market at 91 Old Cemetery Lane in Brownington from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 13 or 20 as well as the Newport Agway and White Caps Campground in Orleans. Call Bari Fischer at the number below to arrange delivery or pick up at other times or postal mail if time permits.

All proceeds benefit Arnold's Rescue for feed and veterinary care for the animals living there. For more information, contact Bari Fischer at 239-872-7333.