The core of Ambassador Pit Bull Alliance is our volunteers. These are people with full-time jobs, families, and their own dogs but choose to donate their time to help spread APBA’s message when they can. Each volunteer has their own story so beginning this April, we’re featuring one Ambassador Pit Bull Alliance volunteer each month to highlight their connection to our cause. Thank you to our volunteers, for all you do!
Our Featured Volunteer for April: Kelsey Marshall
Our Featured Event for April: Bartending for the Bullies April 20 at The Ashburn Pub
By: Kelsey Marshall
Hi! My name is Kelsey Marshall and I’ve been volunteering with APBA for the last year. I grew up in the area and am a GMU grad. While at GMU, I studied Sociology with a concentration in Social Change and Inequality so being an advocate for those who are 
discriminated against, whether human or animal, has always been a passion of mine. I never really knew the amount of discrimination pit bulls faced until about three years ago when my partner Jesse and I were looking to move in together to a new home with his 4 year old pit bull Fiona. We were turned down time and time again purely based off of the dogs breed. I was heartbroken that our sweet animal was being judged especially by complete strangers. Being an animal lover, this did not sit well with me and I began doing research: breed discrimination, petitions to end BSL, the incredible amount of pit bulls in shelters. I just had to get involved. Whether it was sharing an adoptable dog’s Facebook link, spreading the word to my friends who were looking to adopt, or adopting myself (we’ve since added two more beautiful pit bulls to our family—Pedro & Amelia). I was determined to try anything I could to help. I had just graduated and wanted to spend my free time giving back to the community and my friend Christina (a fellow APBA volunteer) suggested I look into volunteering for APBA as well. Best decision yet! I love the work that we do, the animals we get to meet and find homes for and the happy endings we’re able to be a part of. I think the program I’m the most interested in is the Pet Owner Support Program as we get to partner with local families on the struggles they’re facing being an owner of a pit bull and work to make recommendations to ensure the safety & happiness of both the family & the pup! To me, 
the best way to spread ABPA’s mission is to start with our local community which is why I wanted to partner with Kevin & The Ashburn Pub for the Bartending for Bullies fundraiser. The Pub is a local business with tons of people that make up my immediate community so where better to host a fundraiser? The Pub is notorious for hosting events that spread the word on so many great volunteer groups and our mission is definitely one that needs to be heard. The event will run from 7-9pm on April 20th and I’ll be guest bartending! Other APBA volunteers will be there to spread the word on our rescue and help sell raffle tickets. The raffle tickets will be for our awesome prizes that have been donated by some AMAZING local small businesses. A sneak peek at some of the prizes include: wine tastings, fitness classes, and salon gift cards. The Pub has also generously agreed to donate 10% of all food sales to APBA so if you’re with the family that evening, The Pub will be the perfect place to host your dinner! Hope to see you at one of our events soon.
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