Do you run? Bike? Kayak? Can you juggle? Cartwheel? Are you great at hacky sack? Whatever you like to do for fun, we want you to do it for Saint Francis Service Dogs.
During the week of April 17-23, people will do their favorite rec activities, with their pets by their side when possible, to raise funds for Saint Francis during Barks ‘n Rec, our Spring Fundraiser.
Join in on the fun by signing up and choosing an activity. Share photos of yourself and your furry friends on social media during Barks ‘n Rec Week using the hashtag #barksnrec2023. If you want to increase your impact, create your very own fundraising page, set your goal, and share your participation with your friends and family in the weeks leading up to the event, so that they can support you in your activity.
Your $25.00 registration includes an event t-shirt, bandana for your furry friend, and eligibility for our special Barks ‘n Rec rewards and prizes!
Join us for Barks ‘n Rec!
Fundraising Resources
You can increase your impact by creating an individual fundraiser and asking your friends and family to support you in your Barks ‘n Rec Activity! We have created resources for you to help you spread the word and raise funds for Saint Francis while having a tail-wagging good time!
BnR Woof Packs
Your participation in Barks ‘n Rec includes your special Barks ‘n Rec t-shirt and a bandana for your furry friend, but that is not the only awesome merch available!
As you hit fundraising milestones, you’ll earn the items below – which are cumulative – all while helping children and adults with disabilities benefit from the life-changing support of a Saint Francis Service Dog!

-$250 Woof Pack –
Car Decal and Koozie
-$500 Woof Pack –
Water Bottle, Collapsible Dog Bowl, Labrador Stress Reliever, Saint Francis Hat
-$1,000 Woof Pack –
Saint Francis Full Zip Fleece
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my registration include?
Your $25.00 registration includes an event t-shirt, a bandana for your furry friend, and eligibility for our special Barks ‘n Rec incentives, contests, and prizes!
What kinds of activities qualify for Barks ‘n Rec?
Anything and everything! Do you like to walk? Run? Read? Bike? Cartwheel? Play video games? Whatever you like to do, you can do it during Barks ‘n Rec to benefit Saint Francis Service Dogs!
Do I have to fundraise to participate?
No! You can participate by simply signing up to do any activity you like and doing your own thing the week of April 17-23! You will be eligible for certain Barks ‘n Rec contests just by signing up.
When will my t-shirt arrive?
We will be mailing t-shirts the last week in March to make sure it gets to you before Barks ‘n Rec week!
What do I do if someone gives me a check instead of donating to my online page?
No problem! Mail cash or check donations made out to Saint Francis Service Dogs to PO Box 19538, Roanoke, VA 24019. Be sure to include Barks ‘n Rec and your name on the memo line or as an attached note, so we can link the gift to your fundraising page and credit it to your goal! Please note that cash or check donations will display as “anonymous” on your crowdfunding page. We cannot assign a name to cash or check donations.
I lost my crowdfunding page emails. Can I get a new link?
Yes! Contact us and we will re-send your links.
I can’t participate this year. Can I still support Barks ‘n Rec?
If you can’t do your own thing this year, you can support Barks ‘n Rec by making a donation to our organization page, donating to a friend’s page, or sharing the event with your friends and family! Thank you for your support!
How will proceeds from Barks ‘n Rec be used?
Did you know that it takes two years and tens of thousands of dollars to raise and place one Saint Francis Service Dog, and that we place these dogs with our partners at no cost to them? We rely on the generosity of people like you to create life-changing partnerships. Your participation and fundraising efforts during Barks ‘n Rec will be applied directly to our mission of helping children and adults with disabilities live a more independent and self-sufficient life through partnership with a professionally trained service dog.
I need help. Who can I contact?
If you have a question or need help with registering, crowdfunding, or anything else, contact Kari Grim, Philanthropy Coordinator, at 540-342-3647×405 or kgrim@saintfrancisdogs.org