Pitch in for Pups

The Dog Days of Summer remind most people of picnics and baseball games. Why not combine these favorite pasttimes and create a unique fundraiser just right for your animal rescue group?

Many baseball teams are looking for ways to bring people into the stands on specific nights when they usually have lower attendance. Some team franchises offer ticket discounts if people bring a church bulletin to a Sunday afternoon game. And, many teams ask people to bring items for charity in exchange for reduced ticket prices. They hope that having more people in the stands will bring in more money at their concession booths and through other sales, which is where they truly make their money.

Talk with your local baseball teams to ask them to designate a special night for your animal rescue. A portion of the proceeds for the game can be donated to the nonprofit charity, along with any donated items, such as pet food, collars or other wish list items. There is an obvious connection for dogs with the theme “Dog Days of Summer,” but wildlife rehabbers and those who rescue the more ‘wild’ animals can also play on the movie “Major League” and the song “Wild Thing” that is so popular at baseball games. This is especially great if you happen to rescue an animal similar to their team mascot, such as a Cub, Bronco, Cougars, or Tigers.

You can also ask for a small percentage from the sale of all hot dogs at the stadium, to go along with the special proceeds for the night. Or, many stadiums allow nonprofits to help work at the concession stands! Nonprofit groups can make several hundred to $2,000 or more by working concession stands at stadiums. Be sure to sign up months in advance by calling the stadium manager.

You may be able to bring some adoptable animals to the event, and showcase them during the change of innings when the teams run off the field. There are typically some fun activities on the sidelines to keep the spectators entertained, whether it’s a pitching contest, or silly dance contests with nominal prizes. Help create games a few select people can play during the field changes and at the 7th inning stretch that reflect on your animals. You could do a pitching game where people try to toss a bone through a hole in a a plywood-shaped dog. Or, a quick game of Simon Says played obedience style can get people laughing uproariously in the stands.

By building on this relationship with your local sports teams, you can bring in some much needed fundraising dollars, and create a lasting friendship that brings in more fans for the team, and needed donations for your animal rescue group.