Challenge: How do you raise funds, generate media awareness and create local buzz for a charity that has little capital resources to do on their own?

I came up with the idea and organized building the world’s largest dog biscuit to raise money at the fund raiser for Canine Companions for Independence (“CCI”).

Another World Record!! Below are pictures of the World’s Largest Dog Biscuit!!! An 8.5 foot by 3 foot by 4 inch brick of doggie deliciousness!! This mammoth of a canine concoction was on display at CCI’s Snoopy’s DogFest!! Snoopy thought it was tail-wagging good. It was snuggled into a 8.5′ x 3′ by 2″ aluminum tray handcrafted by Mike Paturzo, manager of Concept Components of Bohemia and donated by James McGuigan, owner. It was baked in ovens donated by John Nuzzi, owner of Lakewood Bakeries of Farmingdale. We sold hundreds of homemade “Canine Compancakes” with 100% of the proceeds going to Canine Companions for Independence! A huge “Thanks” to Kerrin Shea and Julie Diamond of Canine Companions for making this a reality.
GREAT JOB!!

See below for details from our past press release.

What: Snoopy’s DogFest

Where: The Northeast Regional Center in Farmingdale at SUNY Farmindale

When: Saturday, October 16th, 2004 from 10:00AM to 2:00PM

How: Join us for the 13th annual Snoopy’s DogFest at the Northeast Regional Center in Farmingdale. Snoopy will host this fun-filled day for the whole family (even the dog) that includes a Dog Walk-a-thon, a scavenger hunt, games, food, music, raffles more. See demonstrations by U.S. Customs & Border Protection, Long Island Agility Club, The Center for Specialized Veterinary Care, Rudy the Frisbee® Lab and of course, Canine Companions for Independence.

Why: To raise donations to help support the Canine Companions for Independence (“CCI”). CCI is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. CCI is funded by private contributions and receives no government funding. For more information about Canine Companions for Independence, please click here. You can also contact the fund directly at 1.800.572.BARK for more information.

Please take some time to stop by the event and buy a bag of biscuits for man’s best friend. This fund raiser is intended solely to increase donations to Canine Companions for Independence, express gratitude for their hard work and promote volunteerism.

Media Advisory: With lots of wagging tails and Snoopy himself this will make a GREAT photo opportunity.