For the first time in our organization's history, Rabbit Advocates has been selected as one of the 288 local nonprofits participating in Willamette Weekly’s Give!Guide. A prestigious annual fundraising program since 2004, Give!Guide helps Portland’s donors navigate the giving season by providing an elevated platform for the city’s nonprofits.
First exposed to the campaign through her work at Advocates for Life Skills and Opportunity, Development Senior Manager Ginger Clarke has spearheaded the efforts to secure Rabbit Advocates a spot on the list.
“Our big goal this year has been to inform the public about the wonderful work that we do,” said Clarke. “We’re a nearly 25-year-old organization. More people should know that pet bunnies are abandoned at higher rates. Bunnies aren't the third most commonly kept pet, but they're the third most abandoned.”
From exclusive business incentives to special programs for young donors, Give!Guide strives to make the giving season fun and accessible. Over the past seven months, Clarke has worked tirelessly to ensure Rabbit Advocates makes the most of this unique opportunity. But while this may be RA’s first time participating in Give!Guide, we won’t be navigating it alone.
Meet our Nonprofit Partner: Oregon Humane
Every Give!Guide entree is required to partner with another participating organization. Early on in the application process, Clarke identified the perfect mentor: Oregon Humane. Given the overlap in our work and mission, as well as Oregon Humane’s 15 years of experience with Give!Guide, the organization felt like a natural fit.
Oregon Humane Community Giving Programs Manager Kelly Rey readily accepted. “It was an easy “yes!” to be nonprofit partners,” she said. “Since Rabbit Advocates has been established to support the substantial and ongoing need for specialized rabbit rescue and resources, Oregon Humane often refers clients to their niche community services.”
Additionally, Rey believes it’s important for Portland’s nonprofits to invest in each other’s success - regardless of their individual goals. “When local nonprofits partner with each other, it exposes their missions and services to people who may not have otherwise known about them,” she explained.
Already, Rey and her team have shared invaluable Give!Guide wisdom with our Development department. From building an effective communication strategy, to advice on securing business partners, Oregon Humane’s insights have helped set Rabbit Advocates up for success.
Ultimately, Rey is thrilled for our first Give!Guide. “With how robust Give!Guide is, it’s hard to imagine how it can be better - but sure enough, every year tops the last one,” she said. “I’m grateful for the infinite amount of time and thoughtfulness that the Willamette Week team puts into growing the campaign each year and making it a fun and supportive experience.”
Business Sponsor Profile: Alice in Bunderland
In addition to nonprofit partners, all participating organizations are required to have several business sponsors as well. Almost immediately, Clarke knew who to contact first: long-time Rabbit Advocates’ sponsor Alice in Bunderland.
Founded by Kimberly Gehl in 2022, Alice in Bunderland has quickly become a cornerstone of the Portland bunny community. As the metro area’s only rabbit and small pet speciality supply store, Alice in Bunderland has helped keep our little furry friends happy and healthy through an expertly curated selection.
And ever since the shop’s beginning, Alice in Bunderland’s and Rabbit Advocates’ paths have been intricately linked.
“Kimberly at Alice in Bunderland has been a really amazing business partner with Rabbit Advocates for the last several years,” explained Clarke. “We have that really strong relationship. We host events at her store, and a big part of her business is making sure our community has access to the supplies that they need.”
Gehl was more than happy to accept the role of business sponsor. “It's really important for our shop to give back to the rescues,” she said. “We're just so grateful for all the people who are putting so much energy and time into it. Rabbit Advocates is such a great organization.”
Later this month on November 13th and 14th, Alice in Bunderland will be donating 10% of all sales as part of the program. They will also be hosting an exclusive raffle for Rabbit Advocates Give!Guide donors on November 18th. One lucky donor will have the opportunity to win a $100 giftcard to the shop, and 5 donors will receive $10 giftcards!
With all the events planned and scheduled, Gehl is eager to see what the next couple of months have in store for Rabbit Advocates. “Give!Guide is a really good resource,” she said. “I'm really excited about Rabbit Advocates participating this year, and hope we can do a lot of fundraising!”
Business Sponsor Profile: Crisp Salads
In addition to Alice in Bunderland, Rabbit Advocates will be sponsored by another amazing local business: Crisp Salads. Started over 11 years ago by entrepreneur Emma Dye, Crisp Salads is an independent, woman-owned Portland restaurant group that has been making delicious, nourishing meals since 2015.
Since the business’s inception, Dye always knew she wanted to find a way to make healthy food tasty and fun. However, that wasn’t her only goal.
“From the beginning, I've wanted Crisp to be about more than great food,” said Dye. “Building a business where people enjoy working, customers feel welcome, and we can give back to the community has always been really important to me.”
So when Clarke reached out to Crisp Salads earlier this year about a donation for Bunny Trivia Night, Dye was eager for her business to lend its support. She also inquired if there were any other ways Crisp could assist going forward.
“I've always felt that being a local business means being part of something bigger than yourself,” explained Dye. “Our community has supported Crisp for over 11 years, and I think it's important to return that love whenever we can.”
After discussing additional involvement options with Clarke, Dye felt the Give!Guide would be an excellent opportunity for her business to contribute. So, on December 17th, every Rabbit Advocates supporter that donates $25 or more through the Give!Guide portal will receive a complimentary $25 giftcard at Crisp Salads!
Similarly to Rey and Gehl, Dye is likewise excited to support Rabbit Advocates during our inaugural Give!Guide.
“When we first opened in 2015, one of the slogans on the back of our team T-shirts was ‘Rabbits Eat for Free!”’ Dye said. “I love that 11 years later, we're finding another way to help our furry, lettuce-loving friends.”
So whether you’re a first time or long term Give!Guide donor, hop on over to our Nonprofit Profile to learn more about the incentives we have lined up for the season! With your help, we can make a true difference in the lives of local bunnies - not only next year, but beyond.
