Here's just a quick rundown of some expenses for races (100-300 mile races):
300-500 booties per race = $300-$450 (about $1 per booty, discounts for quantity)
2 bags of Momentum= $66
50# block of meat= $25
Snacks for the dogs= $20-$80 (depending on type; fish is less, lamb snacks for when it's cold
are more)
Dogcoats (if it's real cold)= $35 each
Harnesses (for spares and to replace chewed ones) = $22 each
Headlamp batteries = $20 for 2 lithium D cells; $11 for regular D batteries
Headlamp = $75-$125
Spare runner plastic = $30 a set
Those are just the basics. Of course, then you have to take other expenses into account, such as medical supplies, gas for the dogtruck, straw for the dogs, blankets for the dogs, trail dishes, Algyval (about $30 a bottle!) for sore muscles/tendons, foot ointment, and the list goes on, especially gear for the musher.
Therefore, there are many items that we need and things that need to be done in order to help us prepare ourselves and our furry friends for this great adventure. Assistance can be given in various ways, ranging from help at the start line, to items needed during the race, to money to fuel the dogtruck. The Quest is an enormous undertaking and we can't do it alone. Therefore, if you'd like to help us in our journey, there are several ways to do so:
*Sponsor a dog:
Choose a dog from those in our race team to sponsor. Each dog needs lots of care, food and training in order to get them in tip-top shape for racing. We wil give you a full-color photo of your chosen dog, as well as additional items as listed below and updates on how your dog is fairing.
*Sponsor the musher:
The musher always needs fuel (food) on the trail to keep him/her going, as well as parkas, fur ruffs and hats, mittens, gloves, handwarmers, socks, spare boot liners, etc. You can assist by donating any of these kinds of items, or giving a cash donation to purchase needed items. We will send you a full colored photo of musher/team, as well as monthly kennel newsletters and updates.
*Sponsor the kennel:
As stated above, running a kennel is no easy task. Therefore, we are always in need of quality dog food, straw, meat, vet care, vehicle maintenance/fuel to train and get those doggies to the races, etc. A lot of time and effort go into the kennel, just to keep it going. Therefore, donations made to sponsor the kennel will go to these necessary items to keep our team running strong and healthy.
We have various levels of sponsorship. We will gladly accept any and all donations, whether they be items needed, offers of assistance, or monetary donations. Here are some ideas of ways to provide sponsorship:
Individual: Receive a monthly newsletter, email updates, a booty & choose a
dog to add your name to their dog coat and our website.
Family: We will add your name to our dogtruck, our website, as well as list
your name on our race sponsor lists and monthly newsletters/email updates.
Business: Along with the the above mentioned items, we will add your business logo/name
to our sledbag/parka, the dogtruck as a rolling billboard, give a kennel tour and
sledding demonstration with the dogs.
Corporate: We will provide all of the previous items, as well as promote your products. In
addition we will gladly field test any products and give regular feedback. We will
make guest appearances at functions, upon request, if it is feasible.
Manny is hoping to work on his qualifiers for a bid in the '08 Yukon Quest. If you'd like to help us in our goals, please contact us at [email protected] for ways that you can assist our kennel.
Tammi Rego, Running Swift Kennel, PO Box 10436, Fairbanks, AK 99710
