Arf, Arf…my name is Frankie Bell. My mom, Susan, is a volunteer for YHS who helps with dog walking, grant writing and some other stuff as the need arises! She has been volunteering for over 2 years. My dad, Raymond, is sprucing up the main campus given his exceptional landscaping skills – and sheer determination! I am one of two canines who rule the house. While I was rescued when my mom and dad lived in Missouri, my sister Lucy was adopted from YHS two years ago. Life has never been the same at our house since that fateful day!
Tell us, who are you walking for?
The Frankie’s Friends & Family team is a pack of pals that love supporting YHS while having fun! Several of our team members have adopted pets from YHS or other local rescue organizations. This is our third year as a team and we get bigger and raise more money to help support YHS each year!! In fact, we have now exceeded our goal and are on our way to setting a new one for the year!
What made you decide to walk this year?
There was never a doubt that the FF&F team would be back as a team this year. We rocked last year and we knew we’d rock again this year!!
What's your best advice for other new walkers?
My advice for new walkers is to come, wear sunscreen, sneakers, a hat and bring water. If it’s gonna be a warm day, think about whether you will bring your pet along or not. My mom doesn’t bring me – never has – and I don’t mind! I’m small and I’m getting “up there” in years and I have arfritis. I lend my support from the comfort of my doggie bed and, when she gets home after the event, I let her tell me all about it! Oh yeah, visit the vendor booths! You’re sure to learn something new, find some free stuff, and get a good deal on the services offered at the event by the YHS Spay/Neuter & Wellness Clinic!
What fundraising reward are you most excited about?
Personally speaking a new dog bed would be great, but since that’s not one of the prizes, I’m hoping Mom brings home the Dogpatch Studio photo session (did you know Lisa Faust from Dogpatch JUST won Arizona Professional Photographer of the Year for 2014!!). I LOVE having my picture taken!! Hmmm…up to 2 pets…Mom and I will have to have a conversation about Lucy being included!!
Is there anything fun you want to share with the other walkers?
Don’t be afraid of asking your Friends & Family to support you! Kids and animals are a natural, and if we all ask a lot of people for a little support, it’s amazing how much of a difference we can make! Help others understand how even small donations help feed, vaccinate or spay/neuter the shelter pets. If just asking doesn’t work, then remind them about all the Girl Scout cookies, Christmas wrap, birthday and graduation gifts, etc. that you bought for or from their two legged children over the years!
Do you have a creative way to encourage your friends and family to join the team or donate?
Mom and I send out a Frankie’s Friends & Family Friday Forecast each week leading up to the event. Our newsy email shares information about how one can join the team as a walker and/or donate to the event. We make it fun by using as many “F” words as possible…like Fantastic, Furball, Far Out, Friends, Fabulous, Fixed, Fiesty, Fur sure, and ConFratulations! Sometimes it gets a bit Foolish, but we have Fun and our team members often write back with an F word we hadn’t thought of!! I start with my own group of contact from the year prior, and as new team members join they are added to the FF&F team list to ensure everyone receives the Friday Forecast. We share the current news regarding donations and team members, and how we “rank” against the competition! Sometimes I’ll find some Funky clip art to add, or another GREAT photo of me, to ensure that the Forecasts are anything but boring! The main thing is that donors and walkers know what a difference they are making in the lives of shelter pets by supporting the team. Mom will even “borrow” some of the photos of the dogs she has walked on campus during the week to keep us all Focused on the main goal: helping to Find Forever homes for the pets who are still looking for that special person!
What is the best tip you can give new walkers or donors this year to copy your success?
Create your own FUN-raising team page and ask everyone you know to support you! Thank those who donate FUR all their support. Of course, I have my own personalized thank you cards to send to those who live out of town, and those who live nearby, donors and walkers alike, get a card with either a Costco dog biscuit, cat treats/toys or something else that is FUN attached. It doesn’t have to cost a lot to say “thanks” and doing so helps when you ask for their support again next year! J
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
If you have any problems at all, contact the staff at YHS! Aunt Stacy and Aunt Terri have been able to Fix so many little problems behind the scenes! The FF&F team would like to thank them for their support! Oh yeah, one more thing, I’ll be back next year so watch out!
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