ASPCA
Special Events
Dog Walk Timeline
12 months out:
Create budget
Research date
Research site
Recruit Volunteer Committee
1 1 months out:
Create potential sponsor list
Create sponsorship proposal
Secure permits needed for route and start/finish
10 months out:
Develop and secure artwork
Recruit Honorary Chair
9 months out
Determine items to be donated in-kind
Determine day-of-event activities
Send out sponsorship proposals
8 months out:
Develop mailing lists
Recruit pre-event volunteers
Follow up with sponsorship proposals
7 months out:
Begin appeal for donated items (water, food, paper products, etc.)
Create lists for brochure distribution
6 months out:
Secure sponsorship
Confirm artwork
Hold first volunteer committee meeting
5 months out:
Get printing bids
Develop brochure distribution plan
Confirm committee job descriptions and give each member in writing
Develop prize structure
4 months out:
All copy and artwork for brochure and poster done
Print brochures
3 months out:
Logistical plan confirmed
Mail brochures
Distribute brochures and posters
Begin advertising within the organization
Have starter kit done
Calendar listings out to magazines/newspapers
2 months out:
Order T-shirts or other premiums
Confirm entertainment/demos
Recruit day-of-event volunteers
Send out starter kits as registrations are received
Confirm registration plan
1 month out:
Complete and confirm day of event logistics
– Water
– Communications
– Sound
– Tables/Chairs
– Signage
– Parking
– Port-o-sans
– Storage
– Delivery of supplies
Volunteer training meeting
Send out media alerts/psa’s to print/radio/tv
Create a photo list for photographer
Print day of event handout (map, schedule of events)
Compile outreach materials
Have walker follow-up mailing done
Have a great event!
2 weeks after the walk:
Thank you/follow-up mailing to walkers
Thank you’s to volunteers, spoisors, entertainers
Post walk meeting
Courtesy of
424 East 92nd Street
New York, NY 10128-6804
212-876-7700
www.aspca.org