Saint Francis Service Dogs has opened registration for their fifth annual Spring Fundraiser: Barks ‘n Rec. Last year, over 300 people across 30 states participated in the Barks ‘n Rec fundraiser.
They are hoping this year will be even bigger and better, with more people doing their own thing to benefit Saint Francis Service Dogs.
Saint Francis Service Dogs has a goal of raising $65,000 through this event for 2025, and they need your help to get there! During the week of May 12 – 18, Barks ‘n Rec is an opportunity for everyone to do their favorite activities, all for a good cause (with their pets by their side if they’d like!).
All proceeds from the event will help Saint Francis raise, train, and place service dogs with individuals with physical and developmental disabilities throughout the state of Virginia and surrounding areas. Participants can register to participate online at www.saintfrancisdogs.org/barks-n-rec and pledge to do any activity they like (kayaking, cartwheeling, swimming, juggling, reading, etc.) during Barks ‘n Rec Week. If they choose, participants will have the option of creating an individual fundraising page to share their activity and participation and receive support from friends and family.
Also, back again this year, participants can choose to join friends, co-workers, or family to fundraise as a team! By sharing their involvement through social media (#barksnrec2025) and with the help of their community, individual and team fundraisers can increase their impact and support Saint Francis’s critical mission.
Fundraising is NOT a requirement to register or participate. The $25.00 registration earns not only a fun-filled week but also an event t-shirt, a pet bandana, and the chance to win one of the special event prizes.
Executive Director Cabell Youell says, “As we head into our fifth year of this event, we know that together, this can be our best year yet. Our Barks ‘n Rec event revolves around the concept of inclusivity. No matter where you live, no matter your age, your physical limitations…no matter what, you can participate! By just pledging to do whatever you love most, you are helping Saint Francis empower and transform the lives of people with disabilities. We deeply appreciate your support and look forward to a successful Barks ‘n Rec 2025!”
Barks ‘n Rec would not be possible without its generous sponsors. Their title sponsors for 2025 are Pete and Kathleen Milward, long-time supporters and friends of Saint Francis Service Dogs.