Looking for a unique way to honor a loved one? Maybe celebrate a special event? How about commemorating a business, school, or service organization? Then take the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind’s special 65th anniversary “Name a Pup” Challenge.
Based on Long Island, NY, the Foundation has challenged its donors and supporters nationwide to sponsor at least 100 puppies before the end of its fiscal year at June 30, 2011. With a little more than four months to go, it’s just halfway to its goal.
Carol Tepper is a long-time volunteer and supporter of the Foundation, and she serves on the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “Sponsorship is an important first step in providing dogs free of charge to the people who come to the Guide Dog Foundation for guide and service dogs,” she says.
Puppy sponsors donate or raise $6,000 to support the Guide Dog Foundation and its programs. For their gift, sponsors choose the name of a puppy and help start a new chapter in the life of someone with disabilities.
Tepper continues, “We sponsored two pups named after our cherished family pets. We consider it a privilege to be connected to these dogs. No matter how many times you witness a working team, it is truly overwhelming to realize the difference these dogs make in someone’s life.”
The Name a Pup Challenge is open to anyone and makes a good community service project. The first step is deciding to take the challenge. The next is to contact the Foundation for puppy sponsorship information, including fundraising ideas, outreach suggestions, and brochures.
To learn more about the Name a Pup challenge visit the Guide Dog Foundation’s website or Facebook page.
About the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
For 65 years, the Guide Dog Foundation has provided guide dogs and training at no charge to people who are blind, visually impaired, or who have other special needs and who desire the enhanced mobility, independence, and companionship a guide or service dog provides.
It is the first assistance dog school in the United States to be accredited by both the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International.
The Foundation’s funding comes from the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations, service organizations, and schools. The Name a Pup Challenge is one of its fundraising initiatives to support its mission to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Contact:
Bill Krol, Communications Manager
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
631-930-9034
631-780-2457 (cell)
bill(at)guidedog(dot)org
