FURst Aid is a series of free hybrid events for animal lovers. Attendees learn practical first aid skills from a diverse pool of experts at the Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine to help care for their furry friends in crisis.

Launched in fall 2021, the series included four events last academic year (more coming this year). This presentation covers how FURst Aid offers public outreach, engagement and service as well as continuing education to professionals (including our alumni). It also provides practical tips and lessons learned for offering a successful hybrid event series. Though produced by a small advancement team and on a tight budget, the series yields great results and reaches a wide spectrum of audiences. By offering all events free of charge, we eliminate any economic barriers to this public service.

From an advancement perspective, the series has enabled the college as well as the Oregon State University Foundation to engage with a strategically important community for alumni relations, marketing and fundraising efforts.

Session attendees will learn how to tap into their own experts to engage their own core communities, and how to successfully advertise, manage and run a hybrid event series.