Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals?
Our Heart & Sole Walk for Animals is our annual scenic two-mile walk and the Potter League’s largest fundraising event. It is a celebratory event for you, your dog, your family and friends!
When is the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals?
This year’s Heart & Sole Walk for Animals is on Sunday, October 20, at Glen Park in Portsmouth. Registration opens at 10:00 am with lots of fun activities. The one or two mile Walk kicks off at 12:00 Noon. This is a Rain or Shine event.
Where does the money go?
By participating in the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals, you will be saving lives of animals across Rhode Island and beyond. Your support will help the Potter League for Animals provide an array of programs and services to meet the needs of the communities we serve including adoption, animal rescue, low-cost services, pet training, animal surrender, and transport.
What does it mean to be a Team Captain?
Team Captains help recruit and organize a team of walkers. With our step-by-step guide to leading your team, being a Team Captain is fun, easy, and incredibly impactful.
Is there a registration fee?
There is no registration fee. All participants can pre-register and donate or raise funds to help homeless animals of our community. You will need an email address and password to register online. Raise just $50 and you get a free Walk T-Shirt ($25 for kids). The more you raise the more fun prizes you will earn. Families should register an adult first and then add children.
Can anyone participate?
Yes, of cours! The Heart & Sole Walk for Animals is open to the public. The walk-route itself is not completely handicapped-accessible, as there is a bit of a rugged component, but there is so much else to do, that we welcome all to participate.
Can I bring my pets?
Friendly, on-leash dogs who enjoy the lively, celebratory environment are welcome. Dogs must be leashed, up-to-date on vaccinations and in control at all times during the event. We anticipate at least 250 dogs to attend the event.
How do I start or join a team?
Register here. Once registered you will be asked if you wish to start or join a team. Fundraising participants will have the option to create a personal fundraising page.
Can I bring my children and can they participate?
The Walk for Animals is a family-friendly event. Parents should register first and then they will be prompted to register their children. Youths 12 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult. Youths of all ages are welcome and to fundraise.
How do I add cash and checks to my online total?
- Sign in using your user name 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 pledge form for your records
- 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 the day of the walk with an online pledge form or sponsor sheet to receive credit for prizes.
Who should checks be made to?
Checks should be made to: Potter League for Animals & can be mailed or dropped off at 87 Oliphant Lane Middletown, RI 02842 or brought to the walk. All donations are tax deductible and the Potter League’s tax ID number is 05-0301553.
I am registered but not fundraising online-what do I do with cash and checks that I collect?
Download a sponsor sheet from the website or use the one included in the brochure and bring it with your donations to the Walk or to the shelter in advance. If you receive cash or checks after the walk, please bring it to the shelter or mail to the Potter League, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842 Attn: WFA.
How are prizes awarded to individuals and team members?
All fundraisers qualify for fundraising prizes based on their individual fundraising efforts. If an individual is raising funds and has also started or joined a team, the total amount raised by the individual will also go towards the team goal. If a team raises money together by hosting a special event or third party fundraising event in support of the Walk, a Potter League staff member can apply the proceeds to the team’s fundraising page or the team captain may do so in the donations section of the team page.
How do I print out my gift history list?
Go to your Fundraising dashboard and click on “Reports” on the top toolbar to review and print all your donor history.
This is my first time fundraising - do you have tips?
Yes! Download our Fundraising Tips from the resources tab in your fundraising dashboard.
Can I register the morning of the walk?
There is no entrance fee to attend the Walk. We do encourage a donation to the Potter League directly or by sponsoring one of our walkers.
What if I cannot attend Walk for Animals but I want to raise funds?
If you cannot attend we will miss you but you can register online as a Cat Napper and donate to the Walk or use the website tools to raise funds. Registered ‘Cat Nappers’ will receive prizes based on money raised following the Walk. All money raised can be brought to the shelter or mailed with sponsor sheets to: The Potter League, Attn: WFA, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842
How long is the Walk for Animals?
The scenic walk is a choice of 1 or 1.5 miles through the meadows of Glen Park. There are also lots of activities such as pet contests, a dogtopia, flea-less marketplace, sponsor exhibits, music, information on animals available for adoption, exhibitors, giveaways, drawings and more.
Is there food available at the Walk?
Yes, there will be a variety of food trucks and concessions that will offer up a wide selection of food and beverages. Additional giveaways are provided by our in-kind vendors and sponsors.