Take the Lead, like all small volunteer organizations, faces an ongoing uphill battle to raise and maintain our funds and resources. We have offered the fancy many opportunities to advance our mission - and enjoy themselves at the same time. Special events have always been a key to our fundraising efforts. As our primary responsibility to provide service to those in need increases, our other operations are tested, and we find ourselves with less time to devote to planning and staging events. Over the years we have been extremely fortunate to discover one of the most committed corps of volunteers imaginable. The strength, imagination, and dedication of the clubs and individuals have been particularly remarkable. With only nominal guidance, they have stepped up and become brilliant fund-raisers on their own. We know exactly how much work is involved in getting an event off the ground, whether it is a simple reception or a major affair. We have learned a few things about planning and organization. One of the questions we are asked most frequently is “Our club really wants to help. We’re a hard-working group, but how do we do it?” In response, we have prepared a series of simple manuals, ranging from a one-page guide for a post-match wine and cheese reception to a small booklet for a cluster gala. These contain straightforward organizational advice and many helpful hints. If your club is already among our supporters, we thank you and invite you to reaffirm your commitment to our critical mission. If not, we urge you to join Take the Lead as we work to insure the well being of the entire community in the sport of dogs.