celebrate the 45th anniversary of the naperville area humane society with us at run your mutt off!
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Time: Registration begins at 8:00am // Fun Run/Walk begins at 9:00am
Where: St James Farm Forest Preserve, 2S541 Winfield Rd, Warrenville (enter at the Butterfield entrance) Click here for map.
Run Your Mutt Off (RYMO) is one of Naperville’s favorite pet-friendly fundraising events, a celebration of community and companionship. Each year, hundreds of animal lovers come out for a day of fun and walk or run to save pets' lives. This untimed fun run/walk is a great outing for everyone, welcoming animal lovers and athletes of all experience levels. All funds raised go directly to help the homeless pets of the Naperville Area Humane Society (NAHS).
Pet costume contest. Here’s how it works: When you register, be sure to check yes or no if you will be participating. Then come to the event with your pet dressed up and ready to strut their stuff. If you really want to go all out, dress up with your pet!
COST: $25 (Ages 13 & Up) / Day of event $30 $15 (Ages 5-12) / Day of event $20 FREE (Ages 4 and under) Whether you are a virtual participant, a walker or runner, or just attending, the fees are the same for all depending on the age group you are in.
SHOULD I RAISE MORE THAN JUST THE REGISTRATION FEE? YES, absolutely! Run Your Mutt Off is one our biggest fundraisers of the year and we encourage all participants to, not only register for the event, but fundraise as well. Help us reach our fundraising goal of $10,000 to give more animals the second chances they deserve, all while having tons of fun at the best animal get-together in town. Read more about how to become a PAWsome Fundraiser below.
Please note that RYMO will be held rain or shine. Well-socialized dogs are welcome but no retractable leashes please!
BECOME A PAWsome FUNDRAISER!
Just like when creating a Facebook birthday fundraiser, you can create what we like to call a PAWsome Facebook Fundraiser.
Personal fundraising enables people to ask their family, friends and coworkers to help them raise funds by donating directly to their Facebook Fundraiser. After you have registered for the event, simply create your PAWsome Facebook Fundraiser, by clicking the button below. Be sure to name your fundraiser Run Your Mutt Off for Naperville Area Humane Society. Then share it by posting to your Facebook page or sending out an email (or both) and begin accepting donations online, it’s that simple. Be sure to send out posts leading up to the event, reminding family and friends to donate to your fundraiser.
WHAT IF I HAVE CASH OR CHECK DONATIONS TO ADD TO MY FUNDRAISER? Don’t wait to turn your cash donations in on the day of the event, just donate the amount to your Facebook Fundraiser. If you have any checks please mail them in advance so they can be counted to your fundraising. When mailing them in, please fill out the donation tracking form and send it in with your check(s) as well as any matching gift forms. If you prefer to drop off the day of the event you can do so at registration check-in.
Sponsorship & vendor opportunities
Sponsorships provide an excellent opportunity for individuals, businesses and organizations to reach out to animal lovers and find an audience that believes deeply in animal welfare. But probably the greatest reward is knowing your sponsorship enables NAHS to continue to save the lives of homeless animals and give them a second chance. If you are interested in being a sponsor or a vendor at our FLEA-less market please email us at admin@naperhumane.org
Sponsorship Levels: $2,500 - Best In Show $1,000 - Alpha Dog $500 - Top Dog $100 - Tail Wagger (Vendor)
Click here to download our sponsorships & vendor packages.
qUESTIONS?
DO I HAVE TO HAVE A PET IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE? No, everyone is welcome to participate — with or without a pet!
CAN I BRING MY DOG WITH ME? Yes! We encourage you to come Run Your Mutt Off with your dog! We do however ask that you follow our pet guidelines when bringing your dog.
All dogs must be on a 6ft non-retractable leash.
You are responsible for cleaning up after your dog. (Please bring bags).
All dogs must be non-aggressive towards dogs and people.
DO I HAVE TO REGISTER EVERYONE WALKING, INCLUDING MY CHILDREN? Everyone participating, ages 5 and up must be registered. Registering helps NAHS save thousands of homeless pets each year, and we encourage participants to create a PAWsome Facebook Fundraiser to help us save even more!
CAN I JUST WATCH WITHOUT REGISTERING? Anyone attending will need to register for RYMO. Your registration fee covers the cost of the event. Plus, fundraising helps us provide food, medical care, vaccinations and helps our animals find their forever home.
IS THERE A PACKET TO PICK UP IF I AM RUNNING? No, the run portion of the event is just for fun. There will be no official timing.
WHAT DOES THE ROUTE LOOK LIKE? Click here to view a map of the route. Runners will line up first with walkers to follow. Click here to view a map of where to enter and park.
WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS? Rain or shine, we'll have a great time! Wonderful things happen when animal lovers come together, no matter the circumstances. Check the weather before you arrive, and dress accordingly.
WHERE SHOULD I SEND CASH AND CHECK DONATIONS? Please mail all offline donations (cash and checks) with your completed donation tracking form as well as any matching gift forms to the address below. These funds will be added to your PAWsome Facebook Fundraiser total.
Naperville Area Humane Society
Attn: RYMO Donations
1620 W. Diehl
Naperville, IL 60563
AS A MEMBER OF THE MEDIA, HOW CAN I COVER THE EVENT, GET PHOTOS, INTERVIEWS, OR LOGOS? Naperville Area Humane Society can accommodate reporters, photographers, and videographers throughout the day. Our staff will be available for interviews and photography. Please email us at admin@naperhumane.org with any questions.
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS? Please email our Administrative Team at admin@naperhumane.org.
