Inaugural 'Paws for a Purpose' in Batesville Saturday

Event welcomes dog owners and their pets

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) — The community invited to an inaugural event that will honor a Batesville woman on Saturday. 

21-year-old Riley Duerstock was tragically killed when her vehicle was struck by a drunk driver in northern Indiana in September 2023.

Riley was a nursing student at the University of Indianapolis and loved her dog, and all dogs.

Her family will host a walk-your-dog fundraiser called “Paws for a Purpose” at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 4. 

The event encourages community members to walk their dogs and there will also be a pie auction, snow cones, puppy chow and a kindness counter craft for children. 

It will take place at Liberty Park and all proceeds will go to the Riley Duerstock Nursing Scholarship. The scholarship supports Batesville graduates who are pursuing a career in nursing.

During the event, the Indiana Donor Network and Mothers Against Drunk Driving will also be there.