Paws for Prevention (National Capital Area)
Join us on May 18, 2024
Register Now DonateWelcome to Paws for Prevention!
Event Info
Date: May 18, 2024
Event Timeline:
- Check-in Time: 1:00 PM
- Program: 2:00 PM
- Event Ends: 4:00 PM
Location: Waterfront Park (1A Prince St, Alexandria, VA 22314)
Contacts:
- Regina Ham Chair.Paws4Prevention@gmail.com
- Colin Jarratt DeputyChair.Paws4Prevention@gmail.com
Register today! Click the "Register Now" button above to get started.
Pre-Paws Happenings
Community Events
April 18 Lifesavers Appreciation Celebration The AFSP National Capital Area Chapter is honored to be recognized with the following 2024 AFSP National Awards: Chapter of the Year: Large Market, Outstanding Chapter Public Relations, #7 Top Fundraising Walk: Washington, D.C., Century Club Walk: Fairfax, VA. Please join us in celebration of our volunteers, supporters, and their outstanding achievements that made these awards possible! Meet your fellow volunteers and supporters, be entered to win door prizes, and enjoy complimentary refreshments, hors d'oeuvres, and fun activities. This event is FREE, all lifesavers are welcome, and RSVPs are highly encouraged.
April 26: Sip & Support at Mt. Purrnnon Cat Cafe & Wine Bar Join Mount Purrnnon Cat Cafe & Wine Bar for this fun Friday night social event to support AFSP and raise funds for Paws for Prevention!
April 23 Washington Nationals' "Pups in the Park" Game Come see us just inside the center field entrance as we table to raise awareness for AFSP and promote support for Paws for Prevention!
Volunteer Opportunities
April 22 Learn to Table with AFSP Tabling is a great way to connect with members of our community to raise awareness and support for AFSP's mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Volunteers will learn how to set up an AFSP informational table; educate table visitors about AFSP resources, programs, and community events; sell merchandise; accept donations; and recruit new volunteers and other supporters!
April 24 Volunteer Orientation Join us for an overview of the many exciting volunteer opportunities that support our mission through the National Capital Area communities! You'll hear from volunteer leaders, form connections with peers who share your passion for prevention, and learn how you can become a volunteer and lifesaver!
April 30 Join a Walk Planning Committee We are looking for volunteers to join our planning committees for the D.C., Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Out of the Darkness Community Walks. At this info session, interested volunteers will meet our Walks' volunteer and staff leadership, connect with volunteer committee members (past and new), and learn about how you can help us meet our committee needs!
Ongoing See All Upcoming AFSP National Capital Area Programs & Events
About Paws for Prevention
Research has found that the bond between people and their pets can lower stress and feelings of loneliness while bringing comfort to their owners. We hope you and your furry friend will join us for our Paws for Prevention dog park event to raise awareness and support for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's (AFSP) mission and work to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Funds raised will help AFSP create a culture that is smart about mental health through vital research, educational and community programs, advocacy, and support for survivors of suicide loss.
Make an Impact
Sponsorship OpportunitiesSponsoring Paws for Prevention shows your community and employees that you care about mental health. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Kelly Mahoney at kmahoney@afsp.org. Sponsor Deadline: 5/3/2024 VolunteerEvent Committee and day-of-event volunteers are always needed and we cannot be successful without them! To join the planning committee: email Paws for Prevention Chair Regina Ham at Chair.Paws4Prevention@gmail.com. To volunteer at the event: Sign up here to volunteer.
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Fundraise to Help #StopSuicideRegister! There is no fee or fundraising minimum. Share your fundraising page link on social media, via text, or by email. T-Shirts: Individually raise $150+ by the day of the event and receive a complimentary Facebook FundraisingCreating a Facebook Fundraiser through your AFSP DonorDrive account is easy! Do not create a fundraiser through Facebook directly. Sharing a Facebook Fundraiser on Instagram will not connect with your fundraising page. |
Become a Team CaptainOn average, team captains recruit 74% of the people who attend a non-profit event like this. Promote PawsFollow @AFSPNCAC on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Post about Paws for Prevention and share your fundraising link to gain support. Promote your team page and ask others to register to join you! Tutorials
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Event Activities
On-Site Activities Check out the AFSP swag tent, photo booth, family activities area, hope & healing experiences, resource tables, and more! RESOURCE FAIR Exhibitors are invited to participate in the Walk's Resource Fair to share information related to programs and/or resources offered by the exhibitor that serve the AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. Deadline to Apply: May 3, 2024 |
Honor BeadsComplimentary Honor Beads will be available on-site to show your connection(s) to the cause. |
Hope & HealingShare messages of hope and remembrance. HONOR & REMEMBRANCE SIGNS Order Your Honor & Remembrance Sign to be personalized and displayed on the Walk route. Order Deadline: May 3, 2023 HONOR & REMEMBRANCE CHAIN Since 2017, AFSP National Capital Area event participants have been adding links with personal messages of "why they support" to the Honor & Remembrance Chain. Add your personal message to the chain at this year's event.
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FAQs
Can I bring my dog? Ummm.... Yeah! Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome. Dogs may go off of their leash when inside the dog park. We'll have lots of fun activities for pups and their humans. You can also pick up some doggy accessories at our AFSP store so you and your pup can rock some stylin' AFSP gear.
No. There is no registration fee or fundraising minimum to participate. We strongly encourage each participant to set a $150 fundraising goal to help support AFSP's work to stop suicide and receive the official Paws for Prevention t-shirt! Is there a fundraising minimum? No, but we strongly encourage all participants to set a $150 fundraising goal to help support AFSP's mission, and so they can earn an official Paws for Prevention t-shirt! Can I register at the event? Yes! You can register or donate in person at the Walk by scanning a QR code. Walk donations are accepted until June 30th. What if it rains? The event is rain or shine and would only be canceled in the instance of severe weather that would compromise the safety of our guests. |
How do I make an offline donation? To send a donation by check, please complete the Offline Donation Form and send it with your check to the address provided.
If I raise enough money, will my whole team get a shirt? No. The event shirts are only given to individuals who raise $150 by the day of the event. If your whole team wants a shirt, each member must raise $150. Any must-have items I should bring? We recommend comfy shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, offline donations (to be turned in), and cash or credit card to make a donation or purchase AFSP swag! How do I change my team status? If you're already registered and looking to create a new team or join an existing one, simply log into your account and click "change team membership". Will there be mental health professionals at the event? There will be a "Care Team" of volunteer mental health professionals who'll be on-site to talk to anyone who wants or needs support. You can find them in the "Hope & Healing" area or walking around the event. They will be wearing purple t-shirts that say "Care Team: Want to Talk?" |
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