Thank you for supporting DogFest and Canine Companions, as we celebrate our 50th anniversary! Your fundraising efforts help us place more expertly trained service dogs with children, adults and veterans with disabilities—completely free of charge. To make the most of your fundraising, check out these tips:

1. Use Our Hashtag
Share your journey on Instagram and Facebook. Tag Canine Companions (@canineorg on Instagram; @caninecompanions on Facebook), and use #canineDogFest to show your support and connect with others in the community.

2. Customize Your Personal Fundraising Page
Make your page stand out by sharing why you’re passionate about DogFest and Canine Companions. Add a photo or video of you and your furry friends to personalize your page!

3. Send Emails
Utilize the email templates in your Participant Center to reach out to friends, family and colleagues. If you prefer, send direct emails with a link to your fundraising page—just copy and paste the URL!

4. Start a Facebook Fundraiser
Create a Facebook fundraiser to engage your network and automatically collect donations. To set it up, go to your personal page, select “Manage My Page,” and then “Share on Facebook.” Share why you’re participating and update your content regularly to encourage support.

5. Donate to Yourself
Kickstart your fundraising by making the first donation yourself. It demonstrates your commitment and can inspire others to give. Visit your personal page and click “Donate Now” to contribute.

6. Set a Fundraising Goal
Establish a clear goal and share it with your network. This helps motivate supporters and track your progress.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
Make a list of potential donors, including family, friends, neighbors, coworkers and local businesses. Remember, it often takes multiple requests to receive a response!

8. Write a Letter
Personalize a letter to explain your support for DogFest and Canine Companions. Include photos of dogs that have impacted your life and provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for easy check donations.

9. Matching Gifts
Check if your company or your donors' companies offer matching gifts. This can double the impact of every donation!

10. Say Thank You
Show appreciation to your donors with a handwritten card, an email, or a social media post. Personal thank-yous go a long way in making your supporters feel valued.

Together, we can make a difference and celebrate 50 years of enhancing independence and transforming lives. Thank you for your dedication and support!