MANSFIELD — The Mansfield Kiwanis Club has launched its first-ever “Coolest Dog in Richland County” contest to benefit the Friendly House.
The club aims to raise more than $50,000 to purchase a new mini bus for the Friendly House, which could transport an additional 28 children to its after-school programming and assist to providing more summer transportation options, too.
“Because the (Kiwanis) club is turning 100 in June 2020, the club wanted to do something to help kids in the community to celebrate,” said the club’s vice president, Jessica Dulle. “We had dozens of ideas, but when we found out the Friendly House was in danger of not being able to transport kids, we realized that’s what we needed to do.”
She said the Kiwanis Club has supported the Friendly House for 96 consecutive years. The club was chartered in June 1920 and first partnered with the Friendly House in 1924.
Donations have allowed for improvements at the Friendly House’s Hidden Hollow Camp and provided funding for annual Christmas parties, among other events and projects.
“The Friendly House does amazing work, and they are a real asset to the community,” Dulle said.
She believes called the project “fitting” for the Kiwanis Club’s 100th anniversary legacy project.
How the contest works?
The “Coolest Dog in Richland County” contest is open from Thursday, March 14, through Friday, April 26 and seeks nominations of “coolest dogs” throughout North Central Ohio.
A $10 entry fee is required but comes with 10 complimentary votes. Each additional vote is $1 apiece, and there’s no limit on the number of times someone can vote.
Nominations should include a digital photograph of a dog and a paragraph describing why he or she is the “Coolest Dog in Richland County.” “In remembrance” nominations are also encouraged.
Nominations and voting take place at www.gogophotocontest.com/thekiwanisclubofmansfield.
The winner of the “Coolest Dog in Richland County” will be announced June 15 at the Phoenix Brewery, and its owner will help name a limited edition beer made by the brewery.
Scott Cardwell of Phoenix Brewery said the brewery intends to wait until the winner is identified, so that the beer can better reflect the dog’s breed and personality.
Further, the winning dog will receive $300. Second place will win $200, and third place will win $100. Cash prizes will be awarded through the support of Richland Bank.
All three will also win professional photography packages from DRM Productions.
Dollars raised through the contest go to the Kiwanis Club of Mansfield and will be donated to the Friendly House for the purchase of a new mini bus.
Where did this idea come from?
The notion to hold a “Coolest Dog in Richland County” contest came from a similar competition held last year by the Columbus Kiwanis Club.
“They did it last year, and at an Ohio district meeting with all the Kiwanians, they told us that was the coolest project they’ve ever done,” Dulle said.
The Columbus contest had approximately 300 entries, which she’d like to top, but at the least, she hopes to see more than 100 dogs in the contest.
And for those who don’t own dogs, Dulle promised, there will be a “Coolest Cat in Richland County” contest coming this fall, which will come with a chance to name a wine from Cypress Hill.
