Indy Mutt Strut 2020 Hits Fundraising Goal!

October 22, 2020 | Blog, 

IndyHumane announced today their fundraising results for their 17th Annual Mutt Strut, which took place last month. In total, Mutt Strut 2020 raised $245,000 and hosted 1,035 participants. The event’s net revenue is equal to the net revenue from the 2019 Mutt Strut, an impressive feat in the midst of the global health pandemic which has deeply hindered nonprofits’ ability to fundraise. Last year’s Mutt Strut was the highest gross revenue for the event since 2012, the largest one-year increase in event revenue in a decade, and one of the organization’s most successful fundraisers ever.

2019-2020 Top Dog Chief and Sophia Pruitt pose with Brebeuf teammate Carly Hilbert, representing this year’s Top Team.

The profits from Mutt Strut 2020 will support hundreds of animals in need of adoption, medical treatment, spay or neuter services, behavior training, and fostering. The fundraiser was originally scheduled to take place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in April, as it has for 15 years. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic striking the country, the organization made the decision to move the event to September at Victory Field, and then finally transitioned to a virtual event in July. The event was broadcast live on IndyHumane’s social media channels and participants were encouraged to engage on social media in their neighborhoods and by visiting local community partner locations to win prizes.

Barb Bush, IndyHumane volunteer, receives the Mari Hulman George Volunteer Service Award

“The funds raised through Mutt Strut each year are incredibly important to our shelter. When we decided to move to a virtual event we knew we would have to get innovative with methods to interact with ourcommunity and supporters,” said David Horth, IndyHumane CEO. “These resources are critical to sustain the medical, behavior, foster, and rescue programs we provide to homeless animals, not to mention the operation costs of the shelter. I’m grateful for the dedication of the IndyHumane team and volunteers for their creative solutions to make the event happen, and I’m deeply appreciative to our sponsors and participants who stuck with us in a time of need.”

Terry Monday and Sonny, 2020 Top Dog

Notable Mutt Strut participants were given special recognition at the event for their fundraising efforts. Terry Monday of Indianapolis raised $6,500 to earn the Mutt Strut 2020 “Top Dog” Award and students from Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School raised $7,700 to earn the title of Mutt Strut 2020 “Top Team”.

On average, IndyHumane takes in approximately 300 animals per month. In 2019, the nonprofit shelter placed 3,800 animals into loving forever homes. IndyHumane serves approximately 10,000 animals annually, from adoption services to low-cost vaccinations and life-saving surgeries. IndyHumane is the only shelter in the state with a fully-staffed medical team and surgery suite, allowing the nonprofit organization to care for animals that come to the shelter, as well as animals that need help from other shelters and rescue groups.

IndyHumane volunteers assisted with the parade of adoptable dogs and more.

 share this post