A 5K Walk To Benefit Area Homeless Animals

It’s time to put on your walking shoes, gather your friends and family---human and canine alike---and join A.D.O.P.T. for our 20^th Annual “Makin’ Strides for Strays” walkathon on Sunday May 5^th. All funds raised from this, our biggest human-canine social---and fundraising---event of the year will be used toward the veterinary care and special needs of our animals, as well as the overall operation of our animal shelter and enhancement of ongoing programs.

WHO’S INVITED?

Everyone who wants to have a great time, loves animals, and wants to “make strides for A.D.O.P.T.’s strays!” You may participate with or without a canine companion.

THE “STARTING LINE”

Registration begins at 7:30 AM. The walk commences with a Blessing of the Animals at 8:30 AM.

THE “STARTING LINE” THROUGH THE “FINISH LINE”

The walk begins and ends at 5th Avenue Station, 200 E. Fifth Avenue, Naperville. The 5K route progresses through downtown Naperville and surrounding neighborhoods. Rest stops offering water and snacks are provided along the way. Pick-up vehicles circle the route to pick up those unable to complete the five kilometers. [Please note: There are plenty of short-cuts along the route allowing the distance to be further shortened!!]   Music, refreshments, vendor and information tables, raffles, games, and the opportunity to “shop A.D.O.P.T.” as well as plenty of FUN and a chance to share “animal stories” with other animal lovers, are provided at the end of the walk.

THE PLEDGE PROGRAM

While there is no registration fee, participants are asked to obtain pledges-per-kilometer or set donations. Set a goal and ask friends, family, and co-workers to help you achieve it! Check into matching gift programs with your employer.

All pledge-getters turning in $100 or more receive this year’s fabulous 20th Makin’ Strides for Strays T-shirt.

Participants turning in $300+ in pledges will receive a one-of-a-kind A.D.O.P.T. Magnet as well!

To celebrate our 20th year of “Makin’ Strides for Strays,” pledge-getters turning in $500+ will have their names engraved on a “20th year of Makin’ Strides for Strays” Plaque to be mounted in the lobby of A.D.O.P.T.’s Pet Shelter..

And with $1,000+ in pledges turned in, participants can earn a Commemorative Tile with their choice of engraving (to be mounted at A.D.O.P.T.’s Pet Shelter).

And with $2,500+ in pledges turned in, you will be showing off your new A.D.O.P.T. Zippered Hoodie! (Awards are cumulative.).

The TOP pledge-getter will be honored with his/her/their name added to the progressive Makin’ Strides for Strays Plaque mounted in the lobby of A.D.O.P.T.’s Animal Shelter.

Download a copy of the pledge sheet

The ON-LINE GIVING PROGRAM

Firstgiving runs a website where you can raise money online by setting up an online fundraising page using a simple template and sending it to family and friends with a personal message asking for support for the Walkathon.  This online program makes it easy to raise funds, win prizes, and become a top-pledge-getter.

If you’re already familiar with FirstGiving, you can go directly to their website:
https://www.firstgiving.com/adoptpetshelter/adopt-20th-annual-makin-strides-for-strays-walk

For information on how to set up your fundraising page visit our FirstGiving Instruction Page.

FOUR FUN CANINE-FRIENDLY COMPETITIONS

Four contests will be held for our four-legged participants:

1. Best Dog-Owner Look-Alikes
2. Talk-er of the Town
3. Paparazzi Pup
4. The “Bond” Dog

See the Walk-A-Thon Canine Contests page.

IT’S ALL ABOUT TEAMWORK!!!

There is strength in numbers!! Recruit your co-workers to come out with you to support the animals!! Form a team of co-workers, raise awareness in your office and raise pledges for A.D.O.P.T.’s animals. Compete for this year’s coveted Walkathon Top Pledge-getting Team Plaque. See our Teamwork Page for more information.

CAN’T MAKE STRIDES WITH US?

If you are unable to walk, but still wish to support A.D.O.P.T.’s largest fundraising event of the year, you may sponsor an A.D.O.P.T. animal to walk for you! Several of A.D.O.P.T.’s current residents will be walking and are seeking sponsors! Simply complete the pledge sheet and send it along with your donation to A.D.O.P.T. at:

420 Industrial Drive
Naperville, Illinois 60563

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WALK?

 Please contact 847-458-6366 or email sandy@adoptpetshelter.org.

For vendor opportunities, please contact Sandy at 847-458-6366.

To adopt an animal, contact 630-355-2299 or go to our Adoption Page.

If you would like to help us advertise the walk at your place of employment or with friends a family please print a copy of the 2013 Walk flyer HERE.

WALKATHON ODDS & ENDS

• Please remember to bring your pledge monies to registration on the morning of the walk.
  • Checks should be written to "A.D.O.P.T."
  • Receipts will be available at the registration area.
• Our goal is for each participant to raise at least $100, and receive this year`s fabulous 20th year of Makin’ Strides for Strays T-shirt!!
• Please do not be discouraged if you do not have a canine walking companion! You may participate with or without a dog.
• If you cannot walk the whole 5 K, there are plenty of short cuts on the well-marked route, AND pick-up vans will be circling to pick up those needing rides back to The Station.
• Don’t forget ... many unique vendors will be offering great treats for humans and canines.
• In addition, there will be plenty of games and raffles... and FUN!!

If you are interested in volunteering to help make our event run smoothly, please contact Sandy at sandy@adoptpetshelter.org