The Ruff Ruck Challenge is back this year on October 18, 2025, in Lakeside, with home base and registration at Wonderland Distilling. This annual fundraiser raises money to support the training of service dogs for deserving veterans, with proceeds benefiting West Michigan K9 Foundation.

At its core, the Ruff Ruck Challenge is about shouldering the weight for those who once carried it for us. Veterans and first responders often return from service with invisible wounds - PTSD, depression, or physical challenges - that make daily life a battle. Service dogs give them back more than comfort. They restore confidence, provide independence, and bring hope where it’s been lost.

When you register, donate, or sponsor, you’re not just backing an event - you’re changing a life. Every mile completed, every ruck carried, and every contribution brings us closer to placing a service dog with a hero in need.

EVENT DETAILS:

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

Date: October 18, 2025

Location: Wonderland Distilling, Lakeside, MI

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

Participants can take on one of several challenges, each honoring the grit of our veterans and first responders while raising funds for life-changing service dogs:

• The Ruff Ruck Challenge – Our signature event: 12 miles, 35 pounds, 3 hours. A test of endurance, strength, and resilience.
• The Frontline Challenge – Teams of four, led by a current or retired first responder or military member, ruck 12 miles carrying 100 pounds collectively. Teamwork over time.
• The Freedom Walk – Walk at your own pace and distance, weighted or unweighted. Every step supports the mission.
• The Personal Challenge – This one is what you make it. Whether it’s a mile without a wheelchair, a weighted sprint, or simply showing up and finishing your own way, the Personal Challenge is about pushing yourself on your terms.

No matter which path you choose, your effort fuels the training of service dogs for heroes who need them most.

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 Corinn or bring filled form to the event. All Ruff Ruck participants will need this completed to participate.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES / TEAM FUNDRAISING GOALS:

T-Shirt Sponsor - $250:

• 1 Lanyard
• 1 Water Bottle
• 1 Ruff Ruck Challenge 2025 Admission
• T-shirt Logo Placement
  
  

Second Chance Sponsor - $500 Donation:

• Covers adoption for a shelter dog through Big Lake Humane Society
• Exclusive Ruff Ruck Challenge 2025 T-Shirt
• 1 Lanyard
• 1 Water Bottle
• 1 Ruff Ruck Challenge 2025 Admission
• T-shirt Logo Placement
• Social Media Post on Event and Business Pages for Ruff Ruck Challenge and Big Lake Humane Society
• Certificate of thanks featuring the sponsored dog

K9 Cadet - $1,500 Donation:

• Covers adoption from Big Lake Humane Society and 1-week basic training from West Michigan K9
• 2 Exclusive Ruff Ruck Challenge 2025 T-Shirts
• 2 Lanyards
• 2 Water Bottles
• Vendor Booth for Business in Vendor Area (day of event)
• 2 Ruff Ruck Challenge Admissions
• T-shirt Logo Placement
• Social Media Post on Event and Business Pages for Ruff Ruck Challenge, Big Lake Humane Society & West Michigan K9
• Certificate of thanks featuring the sponsored dog

Man’s Best Friend - $3,000 Donation

• Covers adoption from Big Lake Humane Society and a 2-week training from West Michigan K9
• 4 Exclusive Ruff Ruck Challenge 2025 T-Shirts
• 4 Lanyards
• 4 Water Bottles
• Vendor Booth for Business in Vendor Area (day of event)
• 4 Ruff Ruck Challenge Admissions
• Sponsor acknowledgement during obedience showcase
• Social Media Post on Event and Business Pages for Ruff Ruck Challenge, Big Lake Humane Society & West Michigan K9
• Bronze Beast Dog Tag Award
• Certificate of thanks featuring the sponsored dog

Leader of the Pack - $10,000 Donation:

• Covers adoption from Big Lake Humane Society and training for an emotional support companion dog for a veteran from WMK9 Foundation.
• 4 Exclusive Ruff Ruck Challenge 2025 T-Shirts
• 4 Lanyards
• 4 Water Bottles
• Vendor Booth for Business in Vendor Area (day of event) / Optional banner at Start/Finish Line (sponsor-provided; confirm with event for sizing or special considerations)
• 4 Ruff Ruck Challenge Admissions
• Present a trained emotional support dog to a veteran at graduation with photo opportunities
• T-shirt Logo Placement
• Social Media Post on Event and Business Pages for Ruff Ruck Challenge, Big Lake Humane Society & West Michigan K9
• Media Mentions
• Crimson Canine Dog Tag Award
• Certificate of thanks featuring the sponsored dog

Veteran's Hero / Guardian Tier - $18,000 Donation:

• Fully funds a dog’s service dog training from WMK9 Foundation to be placed with a veteran in need. Dogs from Big Lake Humane Society will be considered first for placement, if qualified.
• 6 Exclusive Ruff Ruck Challenge 2025 T-Shirts
• 6 Lanyards
• 6 Water Bottles
• Vendor Booth for Business in Vendor Area (day of event) / Optional banner at Start/Finish Line (sponsor-provided; confirm with event for sizing or special considerations)
• 6 Ruff Ruck Challenge Admissions
• Monthly Emails with pictures of dog going through service dog training
• Present a trained service dog to a veteran at graduation with photo opportunities
• T-shirt Logo Placement
• Social Media Post on Event and Business Pages for Ruff Ruck Challenge, Big Lake Humane Society & West Michigan K9
• Media Mentions
• Golden Paw Dog Award
• Framed plaque with photo of sponsored dog & sponsor logo

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 us.

Event T-Shirts & Merch

Earn it: Raise $250 or more on your fundraiser page and you’ll receive an official Ruff Ruck Challenge 2025 T-shirt as a thank-you for your hard work. We’ll get your size and have it ready for you at the event.

Buy it: Event T-shirts and other merch will be available for purchase online soon and at the ruck event itself.

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

Event Contacts

Tony Laskowicz – Founder
TLaskowicz@gmail.com |  231-670-393