Frequently Asked Questions
Top FAQs
What is the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals?
The Heart & Sole Walk for Animals is our annual scenic ¾-mile walk and the Potter League’s largest fundraising event. It’s a joyous occasion for you, your dog, your family, and your friends!
When is the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals?
The 35the annual Heart & Sole Walk for Animals is on Sunday, October 20, at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI. Registration opens at 10:30 am, with plenty of fun activities. The Walk begins at 12:30 pm, rain or shine.
Where does the money go?
By participating in the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals, you're directly saving the lives of animals across Rhode Island and beyond. Your support enables the Potter League for Animals to offer a variety of programs and services, including adoption, animal rescue, low-cost veterinary care, spay/neuter services, pet training, financial assistance, wellness clinics, and more.
Registration & Website FAQs
How do I register for Heart & Sole Walk for Animals?
It’s simple! Visit heartandsolewalk.org, click “Register,” and sign up as an individual, start a team, or join a team. Choose your registration type (adult or youth), complete the form, set a fundraising goal, and select your t-shirt size. Click “Continue” to finish your registration, and personalize your fundraising page!
What does it mean to be a Team Captain?
Team Captains recruit and organize a team of walkers. With our step-by-step guide, being a Team Captain is fun, easy, and impactful. Need some help? Contact Connie at ckile@potterleague.org, she is happy to help!
Is there a registration fee?
There’s no registration fee. Participants can pre-register and either donate or raise funds to support homeless animals in our community. You need an email address and password to register online. Raise $50, and you’ll receive a free Walk T-Shirt ($25 for kids). The more you raise, the more prizes you can earn. Families should register an adult first, then add children.
Can anyone participate?
Absolutely! The Heart & Sole Walk for Animals is open to the public. The walk route is partially paved and accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. Everyone is welcome to join in!
How do I start or join a team?
Register online at heartandsolewalk.org. Once registered, you can choose to start or join a team. Fundraising participants can create a personal fundraising page.
How do I set up my fundraising page?
Your fundraising page is automatically created when you register for the Walk. To customize it, log in, click “My Fundraising Tools,” then select “Edit My Page” or “Fundraising Dashboard” to update your story, details, profile photo, custom URL, and import email addresses. Save your edits!
I’m done editing my page; what do I do next?
We recommend making the first donation to your fundraising page to show your commitment. Then, share your page with friends, family, coworkers, and on social media, asking them to support you. Use our Fundraising Toolkit for creative ideas to raise money for the animals!
How do I add cash and checks to my online total?
- Sign in using your username and password and go to your fundraising dashboard
- Click on donations on the left sidebar
- Click on “enter donations of cash and checks.”
- Enter the donor information, the amount, and print out the pledge form for your records
- The amount will be added to your fundraising goal and total. Pledge payments (cash and checks) must be turned into the shelter in advance of or on the day of the walk with an online pledge form or donation form to receive credit for prizes.
Social Media FAQs
How do I get interactive on social media?
Share your Heart & Sole Walk for Animals fun on social media:
- Follow Potter League for Animals on Facebook if you haven’t already.
- Mark yourself as “Going” on the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals Facebook event for the latest updates.
- Post your photos and videos throughout the day using #HeartandSole2024 and @potterleague, and we might share them!
- Post the “I am walking in the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals to support the Potter League” badge on your Facebook or Instagram.
- Add the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals Facebook profile frame to show your support.
Can I also set up a Facebook fundraising page?
Yes! You can link a Facebook fundraiser to your heartandsolewalk.org fundraising page, and your activities will sync on both pages. Follow the instructions to set it up correctly to track donations in real-time on both sites.
Event Day FAQs
Can I register on the morning of the walk?
There’s no entrance fee to attend the Walk. We encourage donations to the Potter League directly or by sponsoring a walker. Non-registered walkers can check in at the walk-in table.
Can I bring my pets to the walk?
Friendly, on-leash dogs who enjoy lively environments are welcome. Dogs must be leashed, up-to-date on vaccinations, and in control at all times. We expect over 300 dogs at the event. Please, no cats or other small animals, and avoid using retractable leashes.
Can I participate without my dog?
Yes, you can attend with or without a dog. Canines are welcome but not required!
What are the leash rules?
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Leashes should be no longer than six feet. For safety, retractable leashes are not allowed.
Are there restrictions on what dogs are allowed?
To keep the event safe for all, female dogs in heat are not permitted. Walk officials may refuse entry to any dog whose behavior could be dangerous. Please use good judgment regarding your pet’s temperament to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Dogs younger than six months are not recommended to participate.
Are baby strollers or skateboards allowed?
For safety reasons, bikes, skateboards, rollerblades, etc., are not permitted on the parade field or walk route. Baby strollers are allowed.
Who is responsible for dog waste cleanup?
If you bring a dog, please clean up after them. This is crucial for health and safety on the parade field, walk route, and the park. Waste disposal cans will be available. Some poo bags will be provided, but please bring your own.
Can I bring my children, and can they participate?
The Walk for Animals is a family-friendly event. Parents should register first, then add their children. Youths 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Youths of all ages are welcome to fundraise.
Is there food available at the Walk?
Yes, a variety of food trucks and concessions will offer a wide selection of food and beverages. Additional giveaways will be provided by in-kind vendors and sponsors.
How do I collect the prizes I’ve earned?
On the day of the Walk, you can redeem prizes at the prize tent. At check-in, staff and volunteers will give you your prize level slips once you turn in your donation.
Fundraising FAQs
Do I have to raise money to attend Heart & Sole Walk for Animals?
While PLFA relies on this fundraiser to care for abandoned and mistreated companion animals, there is no minimum fundraising requirement to attend.
This is my first time fundraising - do you have tips?
Absolutely! Download our Fundraising Tips from the resources tab in your fundraising dashboard.
What are the prizes offered for raising funds?
See all the great prizes for our fundraisers listed here.
I am registered but not fundraising online – what do I do with cash and checks that I collect?
Download the offline donation form from the website and bring it with your donations to the Walk or the shelter in advance. If you receive cash or checks after the Walk, please bring them to the shelter or mail them to Potter League, Attn: Walk for Animals, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842. We don’t recommend mailing cash.
How are prizes awarded to individuals and team members?
All fundraisers qualify for prizes based on individual fundraising efforts. If you raise funds and have also joined or started a team, your total amount will also contribute to the team goal. If a team raises money together through a special event or third-party fundraiser, a Potter League staff member can apply the proceeds to the team’s page, or the team captain may do so. On the day of the Walk, prize redemption will be available at the prize tent.
How do I print out my gift history list?
Go to your Fundraising dashboard and click “Reports” on the top toolbar to review and print all your donor history.
What if I cannot attend Walk for Animals, but I want to raise funds?
Virtual walkers are welcome! If you can’t attend, we’ll miss you, but you can still register online as a ‘Cat Napper’ and make an impact! You can use the website tools to raise funds and earn fundraising incentive prizes. Registered ‘Cat Nappers’ are eligible for prizes based on the amount raised following the Walk. All offline funds can be brought to the shelter or mailed along with offline donation forms to:
Potter League for Animals
Attn: Heart & Sole Walk for Animals
87 Oliphant Lane
Middletown, RI 02842
When is the last day to raise funds online for Heart & Sole Walk for Animals?
You can continue collecting donations through our website until October 31, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. If you have offline funds to submit, either bring them to the shelter or mail them with offline donation forms to the address above. Please include your name, address, and a note requesting that the donations be added to your Heart & Sole Walk for Animals total.
What can I do if a check is written out to me personally?
If a donation check is made out to you, you can endorse the back of the check and mail it in with a completed donation form to Potter League for Animals.
Can I ask a business for support?
Absolutely! We love your creativity in fundraising for the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals. If you or your team plan to solicit support from a business (e.g., charity day/night, donation-based class, raffle donation), please inform our Development Team (development@potterleague.org) before making the ask. We want to ensure that community businesses aren’t overwhelmed with requests, and we may even help promote your fundraiser! Depending on the scope of your event or activity, we might include your fundraiser in the PLFA online calendar and the Fur the Record e-newsletter. PLFA may help promote your fundraiser if:
- The activity occurs within a defined period.
- The details of the donation being given to the Walker’s fundraising are specific and public (e.g., 20% of all sales will be donated).
- The Walker/Team is partnering with reputable businesses that align with PLFA’s mission.
- All activities comply with state and government regulations, including any required permits.
Donation FAQs
Where should I mail donation checks?
Please include the Heart & Sole completed donation form. All donations should be mailed to:
Potter League for Animals
Attn: Heart & Sole Walk for Animals
87 Oliphant Lane
Middletown, RI 02842
Who should I make my check out to?
Please make all checks payable to Potter League for Animals. Be sure to include "Heart & Sole Walk for Animals" and the name of the person or team the donations should be credited to in the memo line.
Are gifts toward the Walk for Animals tax deductible?
Yes, all charitable donations to the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals and the Potter League for Animals are tax-deductible. With recent changes in the CARES Act, you may also be eligible for additional tax benefits. Consult your financial advisor for more details. Potter League for Animals is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Tax ID#: 05-0301553.
Sponsor & Vendor FAQs
Where is the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals?
The Heart & Sole Walk for Animals is held at Fort Adams State Park – 80 Fort Adams Dr, Newport, RI 02840.
When is the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals?
Sunday, October 20, 2024 from 10:30 am - 2:00 pm
Where do you pull up your vehicle to unload?
When you arrive at the park, drive your vehicle into the east gate and wait until a Potter League representative greets you. You will then be escorted to your booth space in the park.
Can you drive your vehicle onto the grass?
Please do NOT drive onto the park grass without an escort. Your escort will guide you to your booth space, ensuring a clear path.
When can we set up?
Setup begins at 8:00 am, and all booths must be ready by 9:45 am. Vehicles must be out of the staging area by 9:30 am on October 20. Tear down starts at 2:30 pm.
Who sets up the tent/canopy?
If you are renting or using a complimentary canopy from PLFA, it will be set up by 8:00 am on Sunday morning. If you are bringing your own canopy, volunteers will be on-site to assist with the setup.
Where can we park during the event?
Parking arrangements will be coordinated with PLFA staff. Typically, parking is on the parade field.
When should the booth be ready to go?
The Heart & Sole Walk registration officially opens at 10:30 am, so please have your booth ready for visitors by 9:45 am.
Is there a required raffle prize for vendors?
We encourage all sponsors and vendors to donate an item with a retail value of $25 or more for the Heart & Sole Walk Raffle, though it is not mandatory. This raffle helps raise valuable funds to support the animals and is another excellent way to promote your company at the event. Non-profit organizations are exempt from this requirement.
When can we pack up our booths?
Booths must be packed up immediately following the end of the event at 2:00 pm, but not before.
Will I have access to electricity or water hookups?
Unless prior arrangements have been made with PLFA staff, vendor booths will not have access to water connections or electrical hookups.
Can I share my booth with another sponsor or organization?
Booths cannot be shared with another company or organization unless you have received prior approval from PLFA staff.
Are there stipulations for giveaways at our booth?
IItems given out at booths should be safe for children and pets. Always ask owners before giving treats to their pets due to potential food allergies.
Can we bring our own dogs?
Yes, you may bring your dog with you! Dogs must be of good temperament and either kenneled or kept on a leash at all times. You are responsible for picking up after your pet. Dogs must also be licensed and current on Parvo and Rabies vaccinations. Please do not bring female dogs in heat.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
Please contact our Director of Events & Corporate Relations, Connie Kile, by email at ckile@potterleague.org or by phone at 401-846-0592 x125.