2017 June July

ARPH Update
Aussie Rescue & Placement Helpline
Robin Lee • flyrobinfly@blarg.net
ARPH Outreach: It’s Booth Time!
[This is an update of the September/October 2012 article “Behind
the Booth: Raising Awareness and Funds.]
Besides the obvious objective of rescuing and rehoming
Australian Shepherds, ARPH also serves to educate the
public about all aspects of owning the breed. To that
end, our volunteers might be found at tables and booths
at various dog and pet events, talking to crowds of people about
Aussies. Depending on the setting, there may be display boards on
subjects such as approved colors in the breed, what a homozygous
merle is, or local dogs available for adoption. There are sometimes
brochures about fostering or volunteering with ARPH, and ASCA
literature. And most popular of all, real live dogs for meet and greets
to introduce people to Aussies.
Raising awareness of the breed and rescue isn’t the only
point of having a booth. Often they help raise funds, too. It could
be as simple as a donation jar, or there could be merchandise to
buy benefitting the dogs, a spin
wheel for prizes, or a raffle or
silent auction items. These features
can be a big draw to attendees,
and it’s always gratifying for the
volunteers running the booth to
send in any earnings to the treasury,
knowing that they have helped
offset the costs of protecting and
assisting Aussies in need.
However, behind every
successful booth is a cadre of
tireless volunteers and generous
people who make things happen.
First, booth space has to be
secured. ARPH would like to
especially thank all the affiliates
and Nationals host clubs that
donate vendor tables to us at
their events, it is most gratefully
appreciated! There are lots of little
logistical things involved with
booths, too. For example, many
times one needs a permit to conduct raffles or sales on-site, or proof
of nonprofit status, which means someone has to be proactive in
getting the paperwork taken care of. At the Seattle Kennel Club
dog show, for instance, there are strict fire department rules that
booths must adhere to…nothing flammable or tablecloths, banners,
etc., sprayed with fire retardant, nothing blocking the aisles, and
a working fire extinguisher on-hand. Some booths include use of
tables and chairs, others do not. In some places, parking is scarce
and there is a charge, other places involve stairs where items must
be carried long distances. Volunteers manning the booth must plan
ahead so they are prepared. That also means having enough copies
of brochures and handouts and little essentials like pens, change for
raffle or merchandise sales, and phone numbers of all the volunteers
who are scheduled to help out.
Goodies for sale or raffle are usually donated, which means
they have to be solicited for well in advance, and be items that
people would actually want to spend money on. Baskets are
Enticing raffle items ranging from Aussie artwork to books and toys waiting to be arranged at a booth.
ARPH, Inc., PO Box 5305, New Castle, PA 16105 • 1-877-ARPH-779 • arphinc@aol.com • www.aussierescue.org
94 AUSSIE TIMES May-June 2017
We are the ARPH Team . . . Together Everyone Achieves More.