🐾 A Quick Clarification About DACOF’s Fundraising Efforts

Hello DACOF Members,

We want to take a moment to clarify the purpose behind our recent email about forming a DACOF Fundraising Committee, as we have become aware that some rumors and concerns may be circulating that DACOF is “running out of money” or that the event may be in danger of stopping.

That is simply NOT the case!

❤️🐾❤️

DACOF is NOT going away!!!

The Board is committed to continuing this event for our Florida agility community for many years to come.

The reason we are asking for help with fundraising is actually quite simple:

We want to make DACOF stronger financially so that we can continue to offer the event without having to increase entry fees or reduce some of the things that make DACOF so special.

For the past three years, the overall cost of putting on DACOF has been greater than the entry fees collected. While the 2026 deficit was smaller than in the previous two years, we recognize that we cannot continue to operate that way indefinitely.

We have choices when it comes to addressing that difference. We could increase entry fees, reduce some of the things that make DACOF special, or we can work together to find additional sources of revenue outside of entry fees.

The Board strongly prefers the third option. 💪

Our goal with the Fundraising Committee is to find creative ways to bring additional money into DACOF through sponsorships, donations, fundraising activities, business partnerships, and other opportunities.

And importantly, we don't want fundraising to simply be about covering a shortfall. We want to strengthen DACOF financially so that we can continue to add benefits, activities, and experiences to the event rather than having to look for things we can cut.

We want DACOF to remain an event that our members look forward to every year, while striving to continually make it even better. 🎉🐕

So, if you have heard that DACOF is in financial trouble or that we are considering ending the event, please know that this is not the situation.

We are looking ahead and are planning for the future.

As the Board, we believe the best way to protect DACOF's future is to be proactive now rather than wait until we are forced to make difficult decisions later. Establishing a Fundraising Committee is part of that proactive approach.

DACOF is strong because of its members. ❤️

The incredible support of our clubs, competitors, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters is what has allowed DACOF to become, for so many of us, our favorite agility event of the year! And now we are asking for that same support as we work to make sure DACOF remains financially strong for years to come.

If you have ideas, contacts, fundraising experience, or simply want to help, please reach out to Nicole Hornyak at:

📧 nhornyak90@gmail.com

Thank you for your continued support of DACOF, and thank you for helping us keep this incredible event moving forward. ❤️🐾❤️

Bill, Kathy, Jen, Erica and Nicole

The 2027 DACOF Board