Fundraising for the Walk

The Walk will take place RAIN or SHINE!

Register online now >>

Main Walk Page Join the Festivities Registration & Fees Walk Fundraising Map & Directions

Help us spread the word! Download the brochure [PDF] Download the poster [PDF]

The Walk for the Animals is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and proceeds support DHA's mission as it is carried out throughout a four state area. In order to continue carrying out this mission, we need your support for the Walk for the Animals. Fundraise as an individual or as part of a team!

Pledges  |  Teams  |  Rewards  |  Fundraising Ideas  |  What the Funds Raised Support

Collecting Pledges

Since fundraising is the goal of the Walk for the Animals, we ask that all participants raise at least $50 in pledges. There are two ways to collect pledge money:

1. It's easy to meet your fundraising goals by creating your own Personal Fundraising Page with FirstGiving! Visit firstgiving.com/dehumane/walk4animals to create your fundraising page. Customize your page with photos of you and your pet(s) and tell everyone why you support DHA. After your fundraising page is set up, be sure to sponsor yourself first to let everyone know that you are committed to DHA. When you are done, send out your FirstGiving fundraising page address to your family and friends so they can make a secure online donation. Funds will go directly to DHA in your name. Once an online donation is made, a thank you note that serves as a tax receipt is automatically generated by FirstGiving and sent to the donor. You may also want to post flyers with your fundraising page web address on bulletin boards in your gym, church and workplace, etc.
   
   
2. Download and print the Pledge Form and collect pledges in person. You can also stop by the shelter to pick up a copy of the Walk brochure, which includes a copy of the pledge form.

Download Pledge Form [PDF]

Download the Flyer for Fundraisers [PDF]

Tax receipts are available upon request.

return to top

Fundraising Teams

Gather your friends, family and coworkers to form a team! Get started by selecting a Team Captain. Be creative and select a name/theme for your team, and have shirts, hats, and banners made up showing off your team spirit! Once registered, the Team Captain should download the "Team Packet" which includes information and pledge sheets for members of your team. You can also request to have a packet sent to you by contacting events@dehumane.org or (302) 571-8171, ext. 307, or stop by the shelter to pick up a copy.

Download the Team Packet [PDF]

Download the Flyer for Fundraisers [PDF]

For ease of registration and check-in, the team captain should collect the entire team's pledge money prior to checking in on the day of the Walk and go to the team registration table on the day of the Walk.

return to top

Your Efforts Will Be Rewarded!

These incentives will be awarded individually to each person who raises the qualifying amount of funds, whether they are on a team or not, and distributed at the Walk during Registration and Check-in.

In addition, prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers of the following categories:

• Top Three Individuals
• Top Two Individual Kids (16 and under)
• Top Three Teams
• Top Team Kids (16 and under)

Awards Ceremony

Prizes will be awarded at the 22nd Annual Walk for the Animals Awards Ceremony, which will take place during Playtime at DHA on Wednesday, October 10th from 5 to 7 pm at the DHA shelter. Top fundraisers will be notified on Tuesday, October 9th. All people and canines are welcome to attend.

return to top

Fundraising Ideas

• Host your own fundraising event, such as a bake or yard sale, dog or car wash, raffle, or 50/50—the possibilities are endless.
  
  
• Have some "stuff" you want to get rid of? Sell it on eBay or Craigslist.
  
  
• Contact businesses that you frequent and ask them to support you financially or donate items that you can sell to raise money. Ask them to post Walk fliers or brochures in their establishments.
  
  
• Write and send letters to businesses, family, and friends. Explain that you are participating in the Walk and give them some facts about DHA. Be sure to follow up a few weeks after sending the letter.
  
  
• Check with your company to see if it has a Matching Gift Program.
  
  
• Host a lunch, dinner, or neighborhood block party, and ask everyone to donate a set amount for attending.

Successful ideas from some of our top fundraisers:

• One of our top fundraisers sent a letter to businesses and prominent members in the community asking for financial support. In fact, she has been using this method for several years and has been very successful.
  
  
• Instead of receiving birthday gifts, one of our “kid” fundraisers asked family members and friends to donate money to him for DHA. He also had a lemonade stand at various summertime events, such as baseball games.
  
  
• Another Top Fundraiser gave these suggestions: Ask friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. Start your Pledge Sheet with a high dollar amount (this sets the tone), or send a letter explaining the Walk to your Christmas or holiday card list. Include your fundraising goal and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Send a thank you note afterwards.

return to top

What Do the Funds Raised Support?

Since 1957, Delaware Humane Association has operated as a private, non-federally funded, nonprofit organization serving a four state area. DHA is a no kill animal shelter providing temporary shelter, low cost spay/neuter services, vaccination clinics, humane education programs, and adoption/placement resources.

While in DHA’s care more than two thousand animals every year receive food, shelter, medical care, and lots of love and attention. DHA does not euthanize animals to make room for others; animals are cared for until suitable homes are found for them. We rely on the support of the community in the form of volunteers, donations, bequests and fundraising events such as our annual Walk for the Animals to fund our programs and complete our mission.

We appreciate the ongoing support of our Walkers, Pledgers, and Sponsors from throughout the Mid-Atlantic states who come to Wilmington each year to join in our efforts.

return to top