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 isn't always easy, but I know *Pet's Name* is my #1 supporter. You can vote for *Pet's Name* as your favorite pet and support dystonia research through *his/her* fundraising page: *Insert Fundraising Link* #dystoniapetpalooza
Template #2
*Pet's Name* wants YOU to support the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (and show how popular *he/she* is) by voting for *him/her* as your favorite pet at petpalooza.swell.gives #dystoniapetpalooza
Template #3 (Memorial)
In honor of *Pet's Name* , I’m participating in the Dystonia Pet Palooza, raising funds for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) to support critical research, advocacy, and support programs for those affected by dystonia.
If you’d like to honor *Pet's Name* and help make a difference, please consider donating to my fundraising page: *Insert Fundraising Link* #dystoniapetpalooza
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! Can you "Give *Him/Her* 5" and donate $5 to support the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation? Every dollar helps fund research and support programs 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 snap 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 friend. *He/she* is there for me every day, good and bad, always ready to greet me with love and plenty of affection.
*Share an example of how your pet supports you with dystonia*
*Pet's Name* supports me so much, and it would mean a lot to me if you would consider supporting *him/her* and the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) through the Dystonia Pet Palooza.
This March, *Pet's Name* is raising money for the DMRF. By donating to *Pet's Name*'s fundraising page here *insert link*, you not only vote for *Pet's Name* as your favorite pet, but you also support the DMRF's efforts to advance dystonia research, promote awareness and education, and provide programs of support for people with dystonia.
Thank you for your support—and happy Pet Palooza!
*Photo of your pet*
Template #2 (Memorial)
Dear ____________,
I’m reaching out to share something close to my heart. My beloved *Pet's Name* brought so much joy, love, and companionship into my life. Though *he/she* may no longer be with me, *his/her* memory lives on in the love and joy we shared.
In honor of *Pet's Name* , I am participating in the Dystonia Pet Palooza, a special fundraising event benefiting the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF). This event celebrates the love we have for our pets while raising funds to support research, advocacy, and programs for individuals and families affected by dystonia.
I would be truly grateful if you would consider making a donation in *Pet's Name*’s memory. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps fund critical research and provides much-needed support to those living with dystonia.
You can donate directly through my fundraising page here: *insert link*
Thank you for honoring *Pet's Name* and supporting this important cause with me. Your kindness and generosity mean the world.
With gratitude,
*Your Name*
*Photo of your pet*
Personalized Resources
Participants will receive QR codes linked to their pet's pages, as well as a copy of their pet's photo in a DMRF frame, to share on social media or by e-mail.
