Participant Toolkit
You can use these templates as a starting point when reaching out to friends and family to raise funds and awareness of dystonia.
Social Media Templates
Template #1
Living with dystonia comes with challenges, but *Pet’s Name* is always there for me. Vote for *Pet’s Name* and help advance dystonia research through *his/her* fundraising page: *Insert Fundraising Link* #dystoniapetpalooza #dystonia #dmrf #dystoniafoundation
Template #2
*Pet’s Name* is hoping you’ll support the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation—and maybe help prove just how popular *he/she* is! Donate to vote for *him/her* at dmrfpetpalooza.swell.gives #dystoniapetpalooza #dystonia #dmrf #dystoniafoundation
Template #3 (Memorial)
In loving memory of *Pet’s Name*, I’m participating in the Dystonia Pet Palooza to raise funds for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF), supporting vital research, advocacy, and programs for those affected by dystonia.
If you’d like to honor *Pet’s Name* and help make a difference, please consider donating here: *Insert Fundraising Link* #dystoniapetpalooza #dystonia #dmrf #dystoniafoundation
You can share the images below, along with photos or videos of your pet, and use the hashtag #dystoniapetpalooza to let your community know how to support your furry (or scaly, or feathered) friend.
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Text Template "Give Me 5!"
"Hey _______! *Pet's Name* is raising a paw for dystonia research and hoping you’ll “Give *Him/Her* 5" with a $5 donation to the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.
Every dollar makes a difference for people living with dystonia. Donate here to help support *his/her* goal: *Insert Fundraising Link*
Thanks!"
You can share that message with one of the below images—or even better, with a photo of your pet giving a high five!
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Video Best Practices
Recording a video to share on social media is a great way to introduce people to the Dystonia Pet Palooza!
Please consider the following guidelines when recording and sharing videos for social media:
Videos should be recorded and uploaded with the highest possible resolution.
Please record your video in landscape (horizontal) format, if possible.
Your environment should be well lit. Avoid back-lighting (e.g., standing in front of a bright window).
Minimize background noise (e.g., a built-in microphone will pick up unwanted noise on a windy day.)
You might need to record several "takes" before the video is just right.
E-Mail Templates
Template #1
Dear ____________,
*Pet’s Name* is more than an animal—*he/she* is a constant companion. Whether it’s a good day or a hard one, *he/she* is always there with comfort, patience, and unconditional love.
*Share a brief example of how your pet supports you while living with dystonia.*
*Pet’s Name* goes above and beyond to support me, and it would mean so much if you would consider supporting *him/her* this year as *he/she* raises funds for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) in the Dystonia Pet Palooza.
By donating to *Pet’s Name*’s fundraising page here (*insert link*), you’re not only voting for *Pet’s Name* as your favorite pet—you’re also helping advance the DMRF’s mission to improve lives and move us closer to better treatments and, one day, a cure.
Thank you so much for your support—and happy Pet Palooza!
Warmly,
*Your Name*
*Photo of your pet*
Template #2 (Memorial)
Dear ____________,
I’m writing to share something very close to my heart. My beloved *Pet’s Name* brought so much love, comfort, and companionship into my life. While *he/she* is no longer with me, *his/her* memory continues to bring warmth and gratitude for the time we shared.
In honor of *Pet’s Name*, I’m participating in the Dystonia Pet Palooza, a special fundraising event benefiting the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF). The Dystonia Pet Palooza celebrates the bond we share with our animals while supporting vital research, advocacy, and programs for individuals and families living with dystonia.
If you feel moved to do so, I would be deeply grateful if you would consider making a donation in *Pet’s Name*’s memory. Every contribution—no matter the amount—helps advance research and provides meaningful support to the dystonia community.
You can donate through *Pet’s Name*’s fundraising page here: *insert link*
Thank you for honoring *Pet’s Name* and for supporting this cause alongside me. Your kindness truly means more than I can say.
With heartfelt thanks,
*Your Name*
*Photo of your pet*
Individual Pet Sponsorships
Want to give your fundraising a boost? Invite local businesses, friends, or community partners to sponsor your pet’s page!
Pet sponsorships are a simple way for businesses to support you, your pet, and the mission of the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. When you share how your pet has supported you on your dystonia journey, it creates a powerful reason for others to say “yes.”
To make it easy, we’ve provided:
A Pet Sponsorship Package to share with potential sponsors
A Local Sponsorship Tip Sheet to help guide your outreach
Once a business sponsors your pet, we'll provide them with a Personalized "Proud Sponsor" Flyer so they can show their support for you and your pet
Together, we can turn paws and purrs into meaningful support for dystonia research and programs.
Sending Thanks
Taking a moment to thank the people who support your pet makes a big difference. Below are some sample thank-you messages you can personalize and send to your pet's supporters.
Template #1
Subject: A big thank-you from *Pet’s Name*!
Dear ____________,
*Pet’s Name* (and I!) want to send a big thank-you for your support for *Pet’s Name*’s Dystonia Pet Palooza fundraiser. We’re so grateful you took the time to donate and cheer *him/her* on.
Your generosity helps the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation fund research and support programs that make a difference for people living with dystonia—and that means the world to us.
Thank you again for being part of our Pet Palooza journey!
Best,
*Your Name*
Template #2
Subject: So grateful for your support
Dear ____________,
Thank you so much for supporting *Pet’s Name*’s Dystonia Pet Palooza fundraiser. Your gift and encouragement mean so much.
Knowing that friends and family like you are willing to stand with me—and with the dystonia community—makes this experience especially meaningful. Your support helps advance research and provides real resources for those living with dystonia.
Thank you for being part of this with me and *Pet’s Name*.
With gratitude,
*Your Name*
Template #3 (Memorial)
Subject: Thank you for your kindness
Dear ____________,
Thank you for your thoughtful support in honor of *Pet’s Name*. Your generosity and kindness truly touched my heart.
Your gift helps the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation continue its important work supporting individuals and families affected by dystonia. I’m deeply grateful you chose to honor *Pet’s Name* in this way.
With heartfelt thanks,
*Your Name*