TOK DOG MUSHERS ASSOCIATION

Club Purpose and Goals To ensure the humane treatment of sled dogs. To perpetuate the sport of sled dog racing in Alaska. To improve the breeding and training of sled dogs. To host annual sled dog races in Tok, Alaska.

TDMA Board of Directors Jeff Wells—President Scott MacManus—Vice President Kathy Morgan—Treasurer Robbie MacManus—Secretary Tess Faulise—Board Member Nicole Wells—Board Member Stretch Blackard—Board Membe

Tok Dog Mushers History In 1954, two families from Tok challenged each other to a dog race. Little did they know that with that challenge came the beginnings of the Tok Race of Champions and the Tok Dog Mushers Association (TDMA). The TDMA was officially formed in 1958, and the Tok Race of Champions grew since its beginnings in 1954 and is now one of the most elite sprint sled dog races in North America. The race is part of the coveted Triple Crown distinction, along with Fur Rondevous in Anchorage and the Open North American in Fairbanks. Tok has long been known as the mushing capital of Alaska and many mushers, sprint and distance alike, make Tok their home because of our excellent trails and our extended racing season. The TDMA hosts several sled dog races every year including the Tok Race of Champions and the Junior Tok Race of Champions. The Race of Champions features a 6 dog, 8 dog, skijoring, and an open class.

Club Activities

Thanks to our 2015 Corporate Sponsors Iron Dog Outfitters Conoco Phillips Risdon Rigs Alaska Power and Telephone

In addition to putting on the world famous Race of Champions, TDMA also participates in a variety of local community events and programs. In 2015 the club provided space within the musher’s hall for wildlife fire fighters, hosted several spay and neuter clinics, and a local holiday craft bazaar. The community also uses the club’s building for a variety of activities including weddings, concerts, races, and other community sponsored events.

It’s More Than Just a Race Provide A Safe And Healthy Environment For Families Tok, like many rural communities in Alaska, is often plagued by social problems including teen pregnancy and drug use. We strive to provide a healthy community activity that the whole family can participate in. Our races and activities provide a safe environment where kids can learn sportsmanship and how to maintain an active lifestyle. In 2015, 29 kids from the ages of 4 to 17 participated in the Junior Race of Champions

Race of Champions Trivia The most teams to run the Race of Champions was 101 in 1993: 57 in the 6 dog, 32 in the 8 dog, and 12 in the open. In addition to the Race of Champions, a women’s-only Race of Champions was held from 1959-1991. There has only been a tie for first place in the open class one year. In 2013, Arleigh Reynolds and Ken Chezik shared first place honors. Although the race has been held since 1954, the start and finish line were moved to its current location in 1956. Since its inception in 1954, over 900 mushers have raced in the Race of Champions

Enhance Native Cultural Activities

Promote The Sport Of Mushing And Keep Its History Alive

Tok Dog Mushers recognize the history of dog mushing in the Upper Tanana as deeply ingrained in the tradition of Alaska Natives and the local villages. Dog teams were once vital to transportation and the economic and social lives of the Natives. The Tok Race of Champions Dog mushing has been a way of life in our state for hundreds of years. Native cultures and early settlers relied upon dogs for transportation and to hunt and trap and provide for their subsistence lifestyles. While some still use dogs for subsistence purposes, with the advent of the snow machine, the use of sled dogs has honors its many Native mushers who decreased dramatically over the years. have participated in the race since its People began racing sled dogs for sport in inception. TDMA’s Race of Champions the early 1900’s, and since then, the sport has been a local event supported by the of mushing has evolved to many different villages of Tanacross and Tetlin for over forms. Sprint mushing has a long history in 60 years. Residents from the surroundour state and has enabled rural ing villages of Northway, Dot lake, Eagle, communities and Alaskan Native cultures and Mentasta enjoy the race and have to keep the tradition of mushing alive. The attended and competed for many gener2016 Race of Champions will the 62nd ations. running of the race in Tok.

How Your Investment Helps TDMA is a non-profit organization. We rely on the support of our sponsors and members to conduct our yearly activities. All board positions are filled by volunteers. Volunteers provide their time, energy, and equipment to organize and put on the race, host our community activities, and maintain our trails. You can choose to support our organization in a variety of ways. By becoming a corporate sponsor, your donation will do directly to fund our activities and trail work that make our race possible. Donations of goods and services are also greatly appreciated. During the race we hold raffles and a silent auction to help raise funds to contribute to our race purse.

2016 Tok Dog Mushers Association Sponsorship Benefits Platinum Sponsor ($3000+) Lodging in Tok for 2 provided for weekend of Race of Champions Sponsorship acknowledgement during race and awards banquet Will display your large banner at starting line Large logo displayed on TDMA website homepage Full page advertisement in race program Unique limited edition platinum sponsorship plaque VIP race access during Race of Champions Gold Sponsor ($1500+) Sponsorship acknowledgement during race and awards banquet Will display your banner at race Medium logo displayed on TDMA website homepage Half page advertisement in race program Unique gold sponsorship plaque Silver Sponsor ($1000+) Sponsorship acknowledgement during race and awards banquet Will display your banner at race Small logo displayed on TDMA website homepage Quarter page advertisement in race program Unique silver sponsorship plaque Bronze Sponsor ($500+) Business name (large text) listed in race program Listed as Bronze sponsor on TDMA’s website Sponsorship acknowledgment during race Unique limited edition sponsorship gift Jade Sponsor ($250+) Business name (medium text) listed in race program Listed as Jade sponsor on TDMA’s website Sponsorship acknowledgment during race Valuable supporter of TDMA ($50+) Name (small text) listed in race program

Tok Dog Mushers Association 2016 Corporate Sponsorship Commitment Form Company Name: Primary Contact: Phone: E-mail: Mailing Address: Amount of Sponsorship: Would you like your company name included on TDMA event and print materials and on the TDMA website? Yes No

Please make checks payable to: Tok Dog Mushers Association Please mail this form, along with your donation to: Tok Dog Mushers Association PO Box 45 Tok, AK 99780 *Donations must be received by March 1st, 2016 for your name to appear on print materials*

For more information please email [email protected] Tok Dog Mushers Association is a 501c(3) non-profit organization. Tax ID #92-0117255. W-9 available upon request