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 is a celebratory event for you, your dog, your family, and friends!
When is the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals?
The 33rd annual Heart & Sole Walk for Animals is on Sunday, October 16, at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI. Registration opens at 10:00 am with lots of fun activities. The 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 the 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 veterinary services, spay/neuter, pet training, financial assistance, and wellness clinics, and more.
Registration & Website FAQs
How do I register for Heart & Sole Walk for Animals?
It’s easy! Just click “Register” on the heartandsolewalk.org website and sign-up as an individual, start a team, or join a team. Pick your registration (adult or youth) and complete the registration form. Be sure to set up a fundraising goal and select your t-shirt size! Then click “Continue” to complete your information, and you will then have the option to personalize your fundraising page!
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 in 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 course! The Heart & Sole Walk for Animals is open to the public. The walk route is partially paved and handicapped-accessible. Strollers or wagons are no problem. We welcome all to participate.
How do I start or join a team?
Register online at: heartandsolewalk.org. 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.
How do I set up my fundraising page?
Your fundraising page is automatically created when you register for the Walk. To customize it once you have logged in, click “My Fundraising Tools,” where you can select “Edit My Page” or “Fundraising Dashboard” and follow the prompts to update your story, update your details, add a profile photo, create a custom URL, import email addresses and send fundraising emails. Make sure to save your edits!
I’m done editing my page; what do I do next?
We recommend that you make the first donation to your fundraising page if you haven’t already. Making the first donation demonstrates you’re invested in the Potter League’s mission and encourages others to join you. After that, we recommend emailing, texting, and sharing your fundraising page with friends, family, coworkers, and your social media pages, asking them to support you by donating. Use our Fundraising Toolkit for fun ideas to help raise money for the animals!
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 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:
- If you are not already following Potter League for Animals on Facebook, ‘LIKE’ us today!
- Mark yourself as “Going” on the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals Facebook event to get all of the latest updates.
- Post your photos and videos throughout the day on social media by using #HeartandSole2022 and @potterleague and we may share it!
- Post the “I am walking in the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals to support the Potter League” social media badge on your Facebook or Instagram and let everyone know you are walking.
- 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 connect a Facebook fundraiser to your heartandsolewalk.org fundraising page, and your activities will be tracked, in sync, on both pages! But make sure to follow the directions here to set it up properly. We want to make sure you are able to track your donations in real time on both sites.
Event Day FAQs
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. 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 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. No cats or other small animals. Please do not use a retractable leash.
Can I participate without my dog?
Yes, you can come 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 more than six feet in length. For safety reasons, “extend-a-leashes” or retractable leashes will NOT be allowed.
Are there restrictions on what dogs are allowed?
To keep this event safe for all:
Female dogs in heat are not permitted. Doggie Dash officials reserve the right to refuse entry to any dog whose behavior could be dangerous to others. Please use good judgment regarding the temperament of your pet so that this event will be safe and enjoyable for everyone. OHS suggests that dogs younger than six months should not participate.
Are baby strollers or skateboards allowed?
No bikes, skateboards, roller blades, etc. are permitted in the parade field or walk route for safety reasons. Baby strollers are permitted.
Who is responsible for dog waste cleanup?
If you bring a dog(s), please be sure to clean up after him/her.
This is very important for health and safety on the parade field and walk route as well as in the park itself. Waste disposal cans will be provided. Some poo bags will be available at the event, but please come prepared and bring some of your own.
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 15 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult. Youths of all ages are welcome to fundraise.
Is there food available at the Walk?
A variety of food trucks and concessions will offer up a wide selection of food and beverages. Additional giveaways are provided by our in-kind vendors and sponsors.
How do I collect the prizes I’ve earned?
On the day of the Walk, prize redemption will be available at the prize tent. At check-in, the 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?
Although PLFA relies on this fundraiser to care for abandoned and mistreated companion animals, there is no minimum fundraising requirement.
This is my first time fundraising - do you have tips?
Yes! 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 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, Attn: Walk for Animals, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842. We do not recommend mailing in cash.
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. 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 on “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 welcome! 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 offline donation forms to: Potter League, Attn: Walk for Animals, 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI 02842
When is the last day to raise funds online for Heart & Sole Walk for Animals?
After the day of the Walk, you can still collect donations through our website until October 17, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. If you have offline funds to turn in, either bring them to the shelter or mail them with offline donation forms to:
Potter League for Animals
Attn: Heart & Sole Walk for Animals
87 Oliphant Lane
Middletown, RI 02842
Please include a note with your name, address, and a request to add the donations 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 has been written out to you personally, you may 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?
YES, great job getting creative with your Heart & Sole Walk for Animals fundraising! Individuals and teams that are soliciting support from a business (e.g. charity day/night, donation-based class, donation for raffle, etc.) should please first let Susan Ryan, Development Manager, know the details before you ask a company for a donation. We want to ensure community businesses are not being over-asked, and we may be able to help you promote your fundraiser! Depending on the scope of the event or fundraising activity, we may be able to 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,
- details of the donation being given to the Walker’s fundraising are specific and public (i.e. 20% of all sales will be donated),
- Walker/Team is partnering with reputable businesses that don’t conflict with the PLFA mission,
- all activities are compliant with all state and government regulations, including any required permitting.
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.
Please make sure that in the memo it says Heart & Sole Walk for Animals and who the donations should be credited to.
Are gifts toward the Walk for Animals tax deductible?
Yes, all charitable donations toward the Heart & Sole Walk for Animals and Potter League for Animals are tax deductible. And as a result of new legislation in the CARES act, you may be eligible for additional tax benefits. Speak with your financial advisor for more information. 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?
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 16, 2022 from 10am - 2pm
Where do you pull up your vehicle to unload?
When you arrive at the park, drive your vehicle into the east gate and wait there 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 help you navigate a clear path to your booth.
When can we set up?
Unless alternative arrangements were made with PLFA staff, booths must be set up no later than 9:30 am the morning of. Setup begins at 8:15 am and tear down is at 2:15 pm. All vehicles must be out of the staging area no later than 9 a.m. the morning of October 16.
Who sets up the tent/canopy?
If you are renting or using a complimentary canopy from PLFA, it will be set up by 8 am Sunday morning. If you are bringing your own canopy, we will have volunteers onsite who can assist you with set-up.
Where can we park during the event?
Prior arrangements will be made with PLFA staff with regard to parking on the parade field.
When should the booth be ready to go?
Heart & Sole Walk registration officially opens at 10:00 am. Please have your booth ready for visitors by 9:45 am.
Is there a required raffle prize for vendors?
We would love is all sponsors and vendors to donate one item with a retail value of $25 or more to be used in the Heart & Sole Walk Raffle, but it is not required. This raffle helps raise valuable funds to support the animals and is another great opportunity 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 but not before the end of the event at 2 pm.
Will I have access to electricity or water hookups?
Unless prior arrangements have been made with PLFA staff, no water connections or electrical connections are provided at vendor booths.
Can I share my booth with another sponsor or organization?
Booths may not be shared with another company or organization unless prior approval has been granted by PLFA staff.
Are there stipulations for giveaways at our booth?
Items given out at booths should be safe for children and pets. Please ask owners before giving their pet a treat due to possible pet food allergies.
Can we bring our own dogs?
Of course, you may bring your dog with you! Dogs must have good temperaments and need to be always kenneled or kept on a leash. It is also expected you pick up after your pet. Dogs must also be licensed and current on Parvo and Rabies vaccinations. Do not bring female dogs in heat.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
Please contact Development Manager Susan Ryan by email at SusanR@potterleague.org or by phone at 401-846-0592 ext 125.