Mushing Addicts and their Supporters

Every where you look you see branding. Wrangler written with a rope across the shirt of a rodeo cowboy...a giant M&M on a speedy race car.... Branding is all around us. For the cowboy and the race car driver, with that branding comes support allowing them to do what they love. In exchange the company gets their logo flashed around and seen by who knows how many people. (I'm sure someone knows the exact figures, but it certainly isn't me) in a given targeted demographic.

Mushing is no different. Tune into the start of the Yukon Quest or better yet, the Iditarod, to see branding galore. Banners hung along the starting chute, all in view of everyone. You cannot get a picture at the Iditarod without getting some companies banner in the shot as well. It's brilliant marketing. The money from the companies allows the organizing committee for a given race to put on the race, have a purse, provide things like straw and food for mushers at checkpoints and so much more. 

Like other athletes, mushers too seek individual sponsorship. It can come in the form of money, in kind, product or some other form in which it helps out the kennel and the team. This is the first time KMA Kennel has actively seemed sponsorship. It's a big deal. We have been such a private kennel, that it feels slightly uncomfortable and sometimes awkward asking people for sponsorship. 

It was difficult to accept my first form of sponsorship last year from dear, dear friends at Photography on the Kenai. They help to sponsor me in running the Sheep Mountain 300 in March. Luckily, I didn't disappoint too badly, as I finished in 2nd place. Bob, at Photography on the Kenai, takes gorgeous photographs. He specializes in landscapes, wildlife, nature, sporting events, including my favorite MUSHING! Need amazing photos for your business or brochures...have a special event you want captured on film? Give Bob a call and he will not disappoint!

This year I'm excited to say that we have several new, and returning, sponsors. 

KCAM is the local radio station in Glennallen. This little station covers EVERY event in the Cooper Basin. Scotty and Michelle will travel hundreds of miles to bring love coverage of basketball and hockey games for us back home, unable to go see the game in person. KCAM is also a huge supporter, and sponsor, of the Copper Basin 300. Not only do they provide live coverage of the start, but they also give up to the minute updates on the race until the final musher has crossed the line. KCAM interviews mushers pre and post race to allow fans an insight not otherwise had as just a regular spectator. KCAM supports the Copper Basin community. This year, KCAM is an official sponsor of KMA Kennel as well! We are very excited to have KCAM on board as a sponsor. 

Last year for Darrin's human food, Susie, from Maclaren River Lodge, whipped up an amazing, mouthwatering assortment of meals. Alan and Susie are family and their undying support of us and the dogs is amazing. We always know that we can count on them for anything we need. We LOVE training out of the lodge on the Denali Highway. There's nothing like coming in from a bone chilling run into a cozy warm lodge and being met with huge meal of homemade bread, soups and so much more. Maclaren River Lodge is truly our home away from home. 

Norbert at the lodge this summer

When looking for sponsors, I wanted to reach out to people who support mushing, an outdoors lifestyle as well as had an amazing reputation. One such company is Steger Mukluks. Bonnie and Patti have been awesome to work with and equally excited as I am to have them on board as a sponsor. Steger Mukluks are high quality footwear worn by mushers everywhere. These boots don't quit! They're warm, comfortable, and for those who are looking for something fashionable, they're that as well. You don't need to wear "clod-hoppers" to have warm feet! 

When sponsoring an event or a team, no deed or amount is too small. For three years now, we have been the kennel of choice by Mrs. Pacheco's 6th Grade reading class all the way down in White Rock, MO! These kids are amazing! They ask awesome questions. Each year the class picks a dog or two (who can pick just one anyways?!) and sponsors that dog. The class has fundraiser a, such as a bake sale, to be able to purchase item for "their" dogs. Last year the class went way above and beyond and was able to purchase 12 brand new harnesses! On top of that, we received some great letters, delicious honey and some very cozy article socks made from alpaca. Holy cow do these kids rock or what?!

We also have some individual supports who decided that theywould like to sponsor a dog, or two, for the racing season. A HUGE HOWL goes out to Lois, Jan, Leslie and SDS for supporting Boris, Norbert, Norway and Kermit. Thank you for your generous support!

If you are interested in sponsoring a dog, or two, check out our KMA KENNEL WEBSITE. There are many ways you can help sponsor KMA Kennel this racing season. Feel free to send me an email at kmakennel42@gmail.com. Check out our FACEBOOK page for regular pictures and updates. I look forward to hearing from you, and hopefully adding your name, business and logo to our website soon.