Update:

Went down to Citrus Park and picked up the forms. Reviewed it and may be too extensive with all the legalities behind it. May just pick a park in Moreno Valley and host one here.

I'm in the process of organizing a huge event at the Southern Ca Fair. I am gathering a group of rescues and we will be able to do an adoption event! Pretty neato! This will give me the experience I need to make our 1st Annual Take Me Home Pet Adoption Event successful!

Thanks,
Angela

Special Event Permit

Tomorrow I am planning on driving down to Citrus Park to pick up the special event forms. I was having the hardest time trying to open up the document on my computer. This way, I can map out everything and get an idea of what I want.

I talked to the KONG company and they do not do any type of sponsorships, but donate some toys and items to the event. This will make excellent raffle items or possibly prizes for the contests.

I am also in the process of writing my sponsorship letter. It has the West Coast Mastiff Rescue letterhead, this way, every sponsor knows who this event is for. I want to throw the best possible event for them! They deserve it!

If anyone can think of anything, it would be wonderful. After I get my sponsorship letters written out, I'm going to seriously need some volunteers to help distribute. Does anyone know of anyone that would be willing to donate printing, banners, etc? I can have WCM fill out a tax receipt! Please let me know!

Thank you!!!!
Angela

Good News everybody...

Well I received an email from John. He now directed me to Joanne. I guess she is in charge of the special permits needed for the event. Sheesh! It's just going from one person to the next. Life I guess?!?

Anyhoo, I received the paperwork needed to fill out, here's the thing, it's all scrambled up. SOooo...I emailed Joanne and I am waiting for her to resend me the folder zip download.

Anna, if I still can't open it, do you think I can send it to you? That way you can open it for me?
You have a fast computer. Lol! If not, no worries, I will figure a way.

I looked into getting PetCo as a sponsor and it is a huge possibility, but I seriously need someone who understands how to read all the legalities behind it. I just do not understand. Lol! I'll learn as I go, I guess.

I'm thinking of having one HUGE sponsor: Petco, and then two or three little ones, like a dog food company and maybe dog toy company: KONG? Love Kongs!!!

I'll probably need to get banners made, but I need to wait and see how much money and budget will go into this thing.

So that is all I got so far!

Update

Howdy Y'all!

Well it's been a waiting game with renting the Citrus Park open grass area. I just emailed John again and am still waiting on his reply and paperwork. I'd like to start getting sponsors set up. I'm hoping to get big enough sponsors, to where we can have adoption goodie bags for all the dogs that get adopted out. In August, I will be helping West Coast Mastiff rescue with their BIG DOG ROCKS event out in San Diego. Last year they were able to hand out cool adoption goodie bags. All the rescues got the left over goodie bags. And talk about cool stuff. We got Kong Wubbas, toys, treats, coupons for free vet checks, and grooming. Pretty neat. I definitely want something like this with the event!

Also, I spoke to President Elaine Hudson of West Coast Mastiffs Rescue, and she has plenty of hook-ups for radio stations, and tons of vendors. She said she would help me get them there. WOO HOO! Just another step closer to having a super, sweet, successful event!

Angela

Calling all Volunteers...

Anyone good with typing up beg letters? My main goal now is to start begging sponsors for support. I need a professional sounding letter, but I am by no means a professional person. I'm too laid back for the most part.

Also if you can, please introduce yourselves as a volunteer. I am going to build a wonderful team, and I don't want anyone to feel left out.

I will go first...
As you all know...my name is Angela! Lol! I love dogs and have been doing rescue work for about 2 to 3 years now. Gosh, how time flies! My experiences with rescuing is not only with 5 out of 7 dogs here at my home, but also with volunteering with West Coast Mastiffs and then with a couple other rescues. I also began dog training at that time and have been passionately obsessing with it for 3 years as well. My goal is to become a good trainer that can help the less fortunate dogs. I hope that I will be blessed in that sense. Rescue work is so expensive and I am amazed at the people who throw themselves into it with such perseverance and dedication! I am also very lucky to be surrounded by wonderful people who support me and who help in any way they can. I truly love you girls for it and I so appreciate each and every one of you!!!! Looking forward to hearing from you guys.

Much love,
Angela

Sorry Gang...

Okay so here's the scoop. I've heard back from John the superindendant for "the Place!" The "place" is Citrus Park in Riverside. It is where you see the orange groves and that orange stand off of Dufferin on Van Buren. If you've never been there, it is absolutely beautiful. Tons of trees and a huge open grassy area. This is where I want to have the event! Here are the problems... John says they will be renovating this area in August this year and it will not be completed until mid November sometime. So my idea of having it in October is out. However, he will be faxing me all the forms, so that I may have an adoption event in January 2010. I think this is better, so that I will be able to organize myself, alot better. Here are the logistics for this event:

Name of event: 1st Annual “Take Me Home” Pet Adoption Event

Date of Event: January 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Purpose of Event: Help raise funds for a non profit organization called West Coast Mastiffs and Large Breed Rescue. (WCMastiffRescue.com) And also to spread awareness of pet overpopulation and to find loving fur-ever homes for pets with other rescues.

Event Agenda: Would like to have 25 + rescues with well mannered pets available for adoption present. Also 20 + vendors that sell food, drinks and pet-related items for sale. During the event, I would like to have a raffle, dog contests, seminars from trainers, and possibly agility trainers, live music, pet entertainers, and maybe even a hot dog eating contest?

Total Attendees: I plan to have anywhere from 200 to 400 attendees. I will be advertising all over. Having flyers made to post at grocery stores, pet stores and possibly even getting some media coverage.

Estimated Budget: I would like to keep my budget within $1000 to $1200 for renting the open grass area, so that the rest of the proceeds will benefit West Coast Mastiffs Rescue. The vendors will have to rent their space to sell their products. The rental space for the vendors will be as follows: 10’ x 10’ will be $50, 10’ x 20’ will be $75.00. I may have to up the fee, if renting the open grass area is higher than my estimated budget. The remaining proceeds will go to a 501 (c)(3) rescue called West Coast Mastiffs and Large Breed Rescue. No rescues are asked to pay for a spot.

New Update:

Okie Dokie...well I submitted the logistics for the event. I am now waiting for the reply from "the place!" Hehehe! Will probably hear back sometime this coming week.

I've been in contact with about 5 vendors. One is a clown/face painter, one is a hot dog vendor, the other a taco vendor and some pet boutique type vendors. I even had a dog trainer ask. LOL!!! Is it mean to turn them away? Well I saved his information. Oh and a kettle corn vendor. Mmmm. Gotta have Kettle Corn at any event!

So I will update you as soon as I hear the word...YES, the place is yours!

This is something I am going to need help with...
*Rules for Volunteers/Vendors
*Writing a professional sounding beg/sponsorship letter

If you want to throw ideas or suggestions at me, I am ready!
Thank you so much!!!! Much love to you all!