thoughts, advice, ideas
When we moved to our new home, I joined the progam committee that plans all the events. In 2006 I organized a Bark in the Park as a community event, and it was successful considering it was a first time event. We gave donations to 10 non-profit organizations that attended. The community program director got her nose out of joint when I was given recognition for the success of the event (she didn't know squat about putting together a fund raising event until Bark in the Park). So in her childish manner, she nixed the event for 2007. 
So, the good news, I went to our community developer and asked if they would support the event for 2008. They agreed and have pledged enough money that we will be profitable from the start. 
I was thirlled Friday when I received the news. On Sunday I'm thinking, "oh crap, I've got to come up with a lot of ideas." I can't think of a more knowledgeable group of pet/resuce/involved folks than those on this forum. I'd sure apprecaite any thoughts or ideas on events or format that will help make this a profitable day for the resuces that will attend. HELP! The money will go to help rescues all over the state. |
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One of our local rescues (Friends of Pets) puts on something called the "Dog Jog" every year. Its set up much like a marathon, but at walking speed, with dogs.  along with registration fees to make money, they also print colorful t-shirts to sell.
Other ideas....have local artisans who do pet-related items (like leashes or doggie jackets) come set up to sell, and charge either a booth fee or sales percentage....contests with small registration fees to enter....a "dog wash" like a car wash, but with dog-bathing/grooming....a bake sale with the baked goods being dog-biscuits |
| I've never done this sort of event, but the ideas mentioned above sound like good ones. Walkers can collect pledges based on miles or meters walked, or simply completing the course.
How about an obedience show? Geared towards kids and/or novices, rather than real show standards? Agility demos? Not money raisers, but raisers of awareness, perhaps. Also a great place to have booths to raise awareness for canine health, etc. |
| One good way to make money for things like this is Bingo. The places that hold the games, are non for profit organizations, and they HAVE to donate a percentage of their profit to other non for profit organizations.
Speak with someone in charge at of a good Bingo Hall about holding one of their regular night Bingo's with the profits of that nights sales going to your organizations. I'm assumming the shelters would have their non for profit numbers. That information would be necessary. From the profits of Bingo, and the pull tab sales, you can make hundreds to thousands of dollars in a single night. They may ask for your organization to assist in helping out that night, but its worth it. I realize you were looking for ideas of things to do at the event itself, but with all the gaming laws on the books, its difficult to set something like this up other than in the Hall itself. Just be sure to post signs at your event stating that "Such and such.... donated $???? from their Bingo profits towards your event as a generous thank you to them in the form of advertisement. Maybe have a vet show up to hold a reduced priced rabbies shots clinic. And, maybe you could make a deal with him/her to offer reduced rates for spay/neuter's with a portion of their profits (even if its a dollar or two) going to your organization, for drumming them up the future business. Maybe charge admission, say a can of dog food, towels, old newpapers, etc., anything that could be used at the shelter. Try to get a big name "animal trainer" to come and donate an hour of his or her time, giving a couple demonstrations on proper training, etc..... Good luck. |
| Purina Farms, in Missouri does a Doggy Olympics every year...
There are different areas where dogs can do agility, herding, flyball, luring etc. Maybe you could do a modified version and add the dog washing or nail clipping (seems to be big), Doggie Boutique, Doggie "Bark"ery  grooming lessons---- all the above.
Did the Bark in the Park have a dog parade?? That's fun too!! |
| SheepieFest! has had a silent acution for the last 2 years. Stuff was donated by the planners and others. Maybe you can solicit goods and services from local businesses? The first year we made over $400 and this year made over $500. |
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