Fundraising Ideas

[tedjax]

Hey everyone! I am trying to think of ways to assist our MS Animal Rescue League raise some money. They are trying to build a new, larger shelter as the one they are in now is very small. I would like to get some ideas from fundraisers that may have been in your area. Our league doesn't really do much in that way - don't get me started on the Executive Director of MARL - there is 1 fundraiser in the fall called Walk in the Park. They have contests, sell MARL merchandise,etc., but I don't think it really gets enough publicity nor does it raise much money. Any help would be appreciated.

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Trish
Indy-Neutered, Natural, Fawn, Flashy-10/6/98
Beauty-Spayed,Cropped, Fawn, Black Mask-9/20/94; Adopted from rescue in New Orleans
Shiloh-10/18/85 to 10/14/98; Waiting for me at the Bridge

 

[Linda]

I don't have any other great ideas, but I think the "walk in the park" is on the right track. Maybe you just need to expand on it!
We have an event here in Portland called the Doggie Dash. It's sponsored by a radio station and benefits the humane society. I went this year and there were thousands of people and dogs there! It costs $15 to enter and walk. They also sell T-shirts ($10 I think). There are booths with various dog-related merchandise. They have contests (pet tricks, dog-owner look alike, biggest dog, smallest dog, etc), and give away prizes.
The event is announced on the radio for months prior, and it is on the radio station's website.

Oh, a dog wash might be another idea. I think people would pay money and do things like that if it is for a good cause. There's a brewery here in Portland called the Lucky Laborador. It has an annual dog wash. If you have a lab, they'll wash it for free, otherwise, they take donations.

Good luck!

 

[tedjax]

Thanks! I love the dog wash idea. We actually have a grooming place here called the "Dog Wash" and maybe they could assist. Your Doggie Dash sounds just like Bark in the Park....

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Trish
Indy-Neutered, Natural, Fawn, Flashy-10/6/98
Beauty-Spayed,Cropped, Fawn, Black Mask-9/20/94; Adopted from rescue in New Orleans
Shiloh-10/18/85 to 10/14/98; Waiting for me at the Bridge

 

[Paula]

How about dog dip day in conjunction with bath day. There is a small fee to cover expenses and you dip your dog in the "pool" with the dip. There is drying area etc. Donations are welcome. It could be at a different time from the dog walk with vendors, a flea market,where you'd charge for the space, making it into a general carnival atmosphere. Breeders or breed associations could rent space to promote their breed, ditto rescues, ditto groomers. Food vendors could rent space or donate a portion of their profits or both. Their could be contests ie "How many times does a Boxer kidney bean in 1 minute". It could e similar to the jelly beans in a jar, where people would pay to put their answer in a box. The first correct answer would win a basket of donated prices. Just think of the fun you'd have counting the kidney bean wiggles and taking the average to have the correct answer. Handlers could demo. Big donation jars could be setup at various locations.

Hope you get lots of ideas to choose from and have lots of success raising money.

 

[vickyd]

Hey Trish....those all sound like great ideas. I'm sure we could come up with others. I would like to be involved in this too. Let me know more. My Maggie was rescued from MARL.

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Vickyd
Maggie-Rescue,natural ears. DOB approx June'99
Hoss-Rescue,natural ears.DOB approx Jan'99

 

[tedjax]

Thanks ya'll. Vicky, I will definately let you know what I come up with. I get the MARL newsletter and it just seems Ms Boswell is always asking for donations, but doesn't seem to get out and "knock on doors", if you know what I mean. The new place is going to be over by Hiway 18 I think - it's about 22,000 sq ft! Much improvement from the building they're in now. Maybe we can put our head together and come up with something. How does WorldCom feel about community service? I'm kind of limited by working with the state...they don't match donations, etc. (That would take money away from the state legislators!!!) Oh well, keep in touch about this and maybe we can hit the jackpot for MARL.

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Trish
Indy-Neutered, Natural, Fawn, Flashy-10/6/98
Beauty-Spayed,Cropped, Fawn, Black Mask-9/20/94; Adopted from rescue in New Orleans
Shiloh-10/18/85 to 10/14/98; Waiting for me at the Bridge

 

[ChrisM]

I am thinking that with all the publicity that animal abuse escalating to domestic assault and other violent crimes is getting that the following might be a great way to raise some $$. Talk with the Jackson Police Dept. Women's SHelter's etc. about this topic. Once you have a couple of people to back you up with statistics and information, you can approach the businesses in the area and request that they make donations towards the shelter since I'm sure that MARL does do education about animal care and welfare, thus back to the subject of domestic assault. I think that if you are after the big bucks, you've got to hit the businesses up for some donations. Also, you can look up charitable foundations in MS and see which ones donate to animal funds. Simply write a letter, invite them to tour the shelter and tell them about your need. I once worked for a man with more $$ than King Midas and believe it or not, the direct approach really does work alot of times with benevolent people! Oh, and if MARL has a non-profit status, don't forget to mention that it can be used as a tax write-off!

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Mom to:
LADY - White female, natural ears. Rainbow Bridge February 2000

TESS - Flashy Fawn female, born Dec, 1999, natural ears

ZELDA - Semi-flashy Female, natural ears, born May 31, 2000

 

[vickyd]

Trish...i sent you an email off the board. I like this whole idea.


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Vickyd
Maggie-Rescue,natural ears. DOB approx June'99
Hoss-Rescue,natural ears.DOB approx Jan'99

 

[Amy Lyn]

I like the ideas on the Board too. My other idea, which, like someone just said, wouldn't bring in much money, but I know that when the holiday's roll around, our local shelter has pictures with Santa, the Easter Bunny, etc. for a small fee. Maybe you could have a part of the proceeds go to the shelter.

Our local shelter is hosting a walk this September and I'm telling you - tons of people attend. They have contests, booths and lots of other stuff.

Good luck with your fund raising efforts!

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Amy Lyn
Wagner (Fawn, black mask) b: 04/25/00
Clark (Fawn, black mask) b: 03-11-99 (Rainbow Bridge 05-06-00)