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Friends For Life Animal Shelter

#BeUnsheltered

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Thank you for running for animals!

We have gathered a variety of stories and graphics to help you with your fundraising. Use this link to access the entire folder.

1: WHAT YOUR GIFT CAN DO

Your supporters may wonder what their gift can really do. Here are some graphics that show how every donation—big or small—can make a real difference for the animals.

Folder with all “what your gift can do” graphics


2: ANIMAL STORIES

This is why we run: Every dollar raised helps save animal lives. Here are just a few recent stories that show the impact of your support.

Get Gru’s story here
Get Snowball’s story here
Get Taylor’s story here

Get Jaz;s story here
Get Kitkat’s story here
Get Ellie’s story here
Folder with animal photos and stories


3: HAKU BANNERS

Your Haku fundraising page is a great place to share your story and photos. Short on time? No problem—we’ve got some ready-made banners you can drop right in.

Folder with Haku banners


4: Fundraising ideas

THE BASICS

× Haku page: Customize your Haku page with photos and personal story

× Haku goal: Don’t hesitate to set a high goal. You’re only responsible for raising the minimum for your run ($250 for 5K, $500 for the marathon and half) but if you set a higher goal, it often motivates your friends to give more.

× Email: Add your fundraising link to your email signature. The text could read: “I’m running a half-marathon to help shelter animals. Help me meet my goal.”

× Facebook: When posting about your fundraiser on Facebook, avoid putting the donation link directly in the post—Facebook’s algorithm tends to penalize posts with external links. Instead, write an engaging caption, then place the link in the first comment. This helps your post reach more people while still making it easy for them to donate.

× Instagram posts: Instagram doesn’t support clickable links in regular posts, so be sure to add your fundraising link to your bio. When you post about your fundraiser, include a simple call to action like: “Donate using the link in my profile.”

× Instagram Stories: Instagram Stories do support links—so take advantage of that feature whenever you can!

× Reach directly: Social media posts are great for raising awareness, but they’re often not as effective as reaching out directly. If you really want someone to donate, send a personal message via text, email, or messenger. A direct ask feels more meaningful—and it’s harder to ignore!

THE FUN

× Bake (or cook) for bucks: Offer baked goods (dog biscuits?), a home-cooked meal, or a picnic delivery to local friends who donate.

× Special occasions: Use your birthday, anniversary, or milestone as a reason to give. Example: “I’m turning 35—please donate $35 to my fundraiser to help shelter animals.”

× Host a gathering: Plan a small event like an ice cream social, coffee hangout, or movie night, and ask attendees to donate $20 or more toward your fundraising goal.

× Auction your miles: Let friends and family sponsor specific miles of your race. Example: Mile 1 for $10, Mile 7 for $25, Mile 22 for $100.

× Auction your playlist: Invite donors to shape your race day playlist. Example: For a $50 donation, someone can choose one song to add to your running playlist.

× Social media challenge: If you hit a goal, commit to something fun: dye your hair, run in costume, or do a dance on Instagram.

Pdf with the list of ideas

Don’t forget—there are some lovely VIP perks if you raise $1,000 or more!

You get free transportation to and from the Chevron Marathon and Half • extra raffle tickets for VIP prizes, gear, and services • free beer at our social events • and a free carbo-loading dinner before the big race. It’s our way of saying thanks for going the extra mile—literally and figuratively!

Questions, comments? Reach us at runningteam@friends4life.org

Access all toolkit files

The #FFLArmy makes what we do possible.

Make a difference with a single or recurring contribution, or by starting a fundraiser.

Donate Now

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Friends For Life Shelter

107 E 22nd Street
Houston, TX 77008

713-863-9835

Hours:
Wednesday - Monday: 11AM - 4PM
Tuesday: Appointment Only

Adoptable dogs can be met on an appointment basis.
Learn more

Petsmart Cattery

2902 S Shepherd Drive
Houston, TX 77098

Adoption Hours:
Monday - Friday:
11AM - 1PM, 5 - 7PM

Saturday - Sunday:
1-5PM

Upcoming Events

Aug 23
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

National Dog Day @Holler Brewing Co.

Aug 24
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Sunday Playgroup

Aug 25
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

FFL Monday Run Club

Aug 30
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Suns Out Buns Out adoption event

Aug 31
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Sunday Playgroup

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