Non-profits invited to apply for proceeds

While most people are thinking about Memorial Day and the 4^th of July, those of us organizing the Happy Hounds Dog Walk can’t stop thinking about Halloween as we begin planning for this year’s walk scheduled for Saturday October 27^th.

Last year’s walk was a huge success raising half of the funds needed for the creation of the Rockford Dog Park which opened Friday April 20^th.  With a pavilion and water being donated, this year’s dog walk will finish off the park with 50% of proceeds raised going to landscaping, agility equipment, or any other amenities that organizers feel would add to the overall enjoyment of park goers.

The remaining 50% of proceeds from this year’s Happy Hounds Dog Walk will be donated to a local human charity or non-profit organization. We encourage any 501-3C non-profit organization serving Kent county to review the grant application for details on the applications requirements. Applications are due by June 4th 2012. Please send questions regarding the grant proposal or a request for an application to happyhoundsgrant@gmail.com   

With the Rockford Dog Park completed after this final donation, the plan for future walk proceeds include splitting them between a local human charity and a local animal charity or rescue encouraging even non-dog owners to join in the fun and support the walk.

We learned a lot last year and have many improvements planned for this year including a redesigned logo,  redesign of the vendor / sponsor layout, and a redistribution of our volunteer labor. Not everything will change, however. Many of our volunteers have already signed on to help out again this year and several sponsors have voiced an interest in participating again.  Any other previous sponsors that have not been contacted yet who would like to participate again are encouraged to contact jetchison@att.net for a sponsorship packet.

For more information on sponsorship, becoming a vendor, volunteering, donation of raffle items or to offer suggestions, please contact jetchison@att.net with “Happy Hounds” in the subject line.