A Barking Brunch: Fundraising for Homeless Pets in the Heart of the Gay Village

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: 25% OFF TICKETS

Secure your spot at the Barking Brunch fundraiser with code PAWSPRIDE25. Valid for purchases made before February 20, 2026. Event date: March 15, 2026. Tickets from £35. All proceeds support homeless pet rescue operations in the Gay Village district.

Reserve your table now

EVENT DETAILS

Location: The Rainbow Café, Gay Village
Date: March 15, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Ticket Price: £35-£75 (VIP packages available)
Early Bird Code: PAWSPRIDE25

Three-course brunch included. Dog-friendly seating. Silent auction. Live entertainment. Photo opportunities with rescue animals. All proceeds benefit local animal shelters serving the LGBTQ+ community.

Gay couple enjoying brunch with golden retriever at Gay Village fundraising event

PACKAGE OPTIONS

Standard Ticket – £35

  • Brunch service
  • One drink token
  • Entry to silent auction
  • Event tote bag

VIP Experience – £75

  • Premium brunch menu
  • Three drink tokens
  • Reserved seating
  • Exclusive meet-and-greet with rescue animals
  • Gift basket valued at £50
  • Recognition in event program

Group Booking Discount: Book 6+ tickets, receive 15% off total purchase. Code: PACKPRIDE15

WHY SUPPORT THIS CAUSE

LGBTQ+ individuals adopt and foster animals at rates 15% higher than the general population. The Gay Village community has maintained consistent support for animal welfare initiatives since 2018. This fundraiser connects two vital causes: homeless pet rescue and LGBTQ+ community building.

Funds raised support:

  • Emergency veterinary care
  • Foster placement programs
  • Adoption coordination services
  • Community pet food banks
  • Education and outreach

Last year's Barking Brunch raised £12,400 for local shelters. 2026 goal: £15,000.

SILENT AUCTION HIGHLIGHTS

Over 80 items available for bidding:

  • Weekend getaway packages
  • Restaurant vouchers (£200+ value)
  • Pet supply bundles
  • Signed memorabilia
  • LGBTQ+ literature collections from Read with Pride
  • Spa treatments
  • Art pieces by local queer artists

Auction opens 11:30 AM. Bidding closes 2:30 PM. Online pre-bidding available starting March 1.

Two men caring for rescue dog at animal shelter supporting homeless pets

VENDOR MARKETPLACE

Twenty local businesses confirmed for boutique marketplace:

  • Pet accessories and apparel
  • Handmade treats and toys
  • LGBTQ+ merchandise
  • Art and jewelry
  • Books and publications

Special Offer: Show your event ticket at participating Gay Village businesses March 15-22 for exclusive discounts (10-20% off).

Browse our collection of LGBTQ+ fiction at eBooks by Dick Ferguson. Every purchase in March contributes 5% to animal rescue efforts.

ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP

11:00 AM – Doors open, mimosa reception
11:30 AM – Brunch service begins
12:15 PM – DJ performance
1:00 PM – Drag queen bingo
1:45 PM – Pet fashion show featuring adoptable animals
2:30 PM – Auction closes, raffle drawing

LGBTQ+ BOOKS CELEBRATING ANIMAL LOVERS

Connect with stories of gay men who find love, purpose, and community through their relationships with animals. Our catalog features diverse MM romance and LGBTQ+ fiction that celebrates all forms of love.

Recommended Titles:

The Silent Heartbeat – A contemporary gay romance exploring emotional connection and healing.

On a Steady Course – MM romance featuring themes of loyalty and companionship.

Browse our complete collection of gay romance books, MM novels, and queer fiction at Read with Pride.

Gay couple shopping at Gay Village pet marketplace with adopted rescue dog

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Support the event at higher contribution levels:

Platinum Sponsor – £2,500

  • Ten VIP tickets
  • Logo placement on all materials
  • Social media recognition (15,000+ followers)
  • Speaking opportunity during event
  • Full-page program advertisement

Gold Sponsor – £1,500

  • Six VIP tickets
  • Logo on event signage
  • Social media mentions
  • Half-page program advertisement

Silver Sponsor – £750

  • Four standard tickets
  • Program listing
  • Social media tag

Contact for sponsorship: events@barkingbrunch.org

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

Sign up for volunteer shifts and receive:

  • Free event admission
  • Exclusive volunteer t-shirt
  • First access to auction items
  • Recognition in program

Shifts available: Setup (8:00 AM), Registration (10:30 AM), Auction support (11:30 AM), Breakdown (3:00 PM).

Register as volunteer

DONATION OPTIONS

Cannot attend? Contribute directly:

£25 – Feeds five shelter animals for one week
£50 – Provides basic veterinary exam
£100 – Supplies one month of foster care
£250 – Sponsors one animal adoption
£500 – Covers emergency surgery

Tax-deductible receipts provided. Donate online or at the event.

Gay couple reading LGBTQ+ books at home with cat and dog

POST-EVENT ADOPTION FAIR

March 22, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Gay Village Community Center

Meet adoptable pets featured at the Barking Brunch. Free admission. Applications accepted on-site. Approved adopters receive:

  • Starter supply kit (£50 value)
  • First veterinary visit (£75 value)
  • Training session voucher
  • One-year pet insurance trial

NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Subscribe to receive:

  • Event updates and announcements
  • Exclusive discount codes (15% off future events)
  • Pet adoption alerts
  • LGBTQ+ community news
  • Book recommendations from Read with Pride

Subscribe now

CONNECT WITH OUR LITERARY COMMUNITY

Explore MM romance, gay fiction, and LGBTQ+ books that celebrate diverse love stories. From contemporary gay romance to historical MM novels, our catalog features heartfelt gay literature for every reader.

New releases 2026:

  • Gay romance books exploring complex relationships
  • MM contemporary fiction with emotional depth
  • Queer fiction celebrating authentic LGBTQ+ experiences

Shop LGBTQ+ eBooks

Free shipping on orders £25+. Use code: PRIDE2026

PARKING AND ACCESSIBILITY

Event venue fully accessible. Wheelchair-friendly seating available. Service animals welcome. Street parking available (£5 flat rate March 15). Public transit: Bus routes 12, 18, 45 stop within two blocks.

FOLLOW OUR COMMUNITY

Stay updated on LGBTQ+ events, book releases, and community initiatives:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dickfergusonwriter
X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/DickFergus94902
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572869844598
Website: www.readwithpride.com
Author Site: https://dickfergusonwriter.com

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Event contact: info@barkingbrunch.org
Tickets and information: dickfergusonwriter.com
Donations: readwithpride.com