The West Michigan K9 Foundation is excited to announce the Ruff Ruck Challenge, a Service Dog for Veteran Fundraiser, taking place on October 19, 2024, in Lakeside, with home base and registration at Wonderland Distilling. This event aims to raise funds to train service dogs for deserving veterans.

Participants can choose between a fun run with a $35 entry fee or the competitive Ruff Ruck (there is a $10 discount for anyone registering online), which challenges participants to complete 12 miles in 3 hours with a 35-pound ruck. The event promises to be both physically demanding and rewarding, symbolizing the strength and dedication of our veterans.

EVENT DETAILS:

Register: $25 pre-register online; $35 pay day of event; $75 for a family or 4 or more (this fee is non-refundable)

Date: October 19, 2024

Location: Wonderland Distilling, Lakeside

Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Set-up at 10:30 AM, Registration at 11:00 AM, Ruck starts at 12:00 PM, Fun Run starts at 12:15pm)

CAN I PARTICIPATE AS AN INDIVIDUAL OR JOIN A TEAM?

The most impactful way to participate in this fundraiser is to create your own individual fundraising page, set a goal, and ask friends, colleagues, and family members to support you and spread the word. You can Start your own fundraising page or join a team HERE. For tips on setting up your page, click HERE.

• Join a pre-existing team and set up your team member page.
• Make a donation to one of the fundraisers or Make A Donation of any amount to support this cause!
• JOIN OUR RUFF RUCK TRAINING GROUP - get support, tips, and opportunities to train with other ruckers!
• Fill out your Liability Waiver ahead of time and send to Jessie or bring filled form to the event. All Ruff Ruck participants, competitive or fun run, will need this completed to participate.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES / TEAM FUNDRAISING GOALS:

Man’s Best Friend - $350 Donation:

Exclusive Ruff Ruck 2024 T-Shirt

Lanyard

Water Bottle

Ruff Ruck 2024 Admission

T-shirt Logo Placement

Social Media Post on Event and Business Pages for Ruff Ruck and WMK( Foundation

Big Dog - $1,000 Donation:

Exclusive Ruff Ruck 2024 T-Shirt

Lanyard

Water Bottle

Vendor Booth for Business in Vendor Area (day of event)

2 Ruff Ruck Admissions

Monthly Emails with pictures of puppy going through service dog training

T-shirt Logo Placement

Social Media Post on Event and Business Pages for Ruff Ruck and WMK( Foundation

Puppy Patron - $3,000 Donation:

Exclusive Ruff Ruck 2024 T-Shirt

Lanyard

Water Bottle

Vendor Booth for Business in Vendor Area (day of event)

4 Ruff Ruck Admissions

Monthly Emails with pictures of puppy going through service dog training

Naming rights for a puppy

T-shirt Logo Placement

Social Media Post on Event and Business Pages for Ruff Ruck and WMK( Foundation

Media Mentions

Leader of the Pack - $15,000 Donation:

Exclusive Ruff Ruck 2024 T-Shirt

Lanyard

Water Bottle

Vendor Booth for Business in Vendor Area (day of event)

4 Ruff Ruck Admissions

Monthly Emails with pictures of puppy going through service dog training

Present a trained service dog to a veteran at graduation

T-shirt Logo Placement

Social Media Post on Event and Business Pages for Ruff Ruck and WMK( Foundation

Media Mentions

Banner at Start/ Finish Line

Veteran's Hero - $18,000 Donation:

Exclusive Ruff Ruck 2024 T-Shirt

Lanyard

Water Bottle

Vendor Booth for Business in Vendor Area (day of event)

6 Ruff Ruck Admissions

Monthly Emails with pictures of puppy going through service dog training

Naming rights for a puppy

Present a trained service dog to a veteran at graduation

T-shirt Logo Placement

Social Media Post on Event and Business Pages for Ruff Ruck and WMK9 Foundation

Media Mentions

Booth at Event

Banner at Start/ Finish Line

For more information on what is included in each sponsorship level read our Sponsorship Inquiry Letter or to become a sponsor, fill out This Form and pay online or please contact Jessie at 231-557-2378.

CAN I GET A GREAT-LOOKING T-SHIRT OR OTHER MERCH?

You bet. When your fundraiser page reaches or exceeds $350, you will qualify to receive an event T-shirt in appreciation of your hard work. We’ll ask what size and it will be available to you at the ruck event. Same with other merch! 

Want to buy some? We will have some available to purchase online soon and available at the event!

Join us in making a significant difference in the lives of our veterans by supporting this noble cause. Your participation and sponsorship will directly contribute to providing long-term assistance and companionship to those who have served our country selflessly.

WANT TO HELP US SPREAD THE WORD - CHECK OUT OUR PRESS RELEASE

EVENT CONTACTS:

Jessie Wilde -  The Ruff Ruck Marketing & Communications: Jessie@westmichigank9.com 231-557-2378

Tony Laskowicz - The Ruff Ruck Founder: TLaskowicz@gmail.com 231-670-3934