US War Dogs 25th Anniversary Event
Recognizing Our Supporters
An important moment in our anniversary program came when president Chris Willingham reflected on the incredible support we have received from the generous donors who have enabled us to continue our vital work.
US War Dogs relies solely on donations from individuals, trusts and businesses to keep going. Our mission is a compelling one, but without word being spread and people connecting with our cause enough to support us financially, we simply couldn’t continue.
Chris outlined some of the support received specifically for our birthday event: The Robert Irvine Foundation and the Gary Sinise Foundation provided financial assistance so that our Gold Star family members could attend the 25th anniversary celebrations and enjoy the camaraderie and brotherhood with their wider K-9 community. The Robert Irvine Foundation funded the hotel rooms for our 26 Gold Star families and the Gary Sinise Foundation made a donation towards the flights to make sure that our brothers and sisters could join us without financial burden, for the weekend.
Chris took the opportunity to shout out some other key contributors who have been huge champions of US War Dogs, providing huge financial and practical support to our organization.
In 2014, US War Dogs forged an important partnership with Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey, whose board members offered to cover the cost of specialized care for retired MWDs. If a K-9 was approved by Red Bank’s board and could travel to New Jersey, they could receive care under US War Dogs’ program.
Since the start of the program, Red Bank’s team has covered in excess of $634,000 in surgeries and specialist treatments. Their incredibly passionate and skilled team remain a great friend of ours and we are ever grateful to them for the kindness they have shown to our nation’s retired K-9 heroes.
We are hugely grateful to the individual supporters who send us monthly donations and checks around the holidays; to the patriot organizations who hold fundraisers for us and for those who leave us generous gifts in their will.
To the corporate supporters who hold fundraisers and choose to support us in a multitude of ways. Our organization has been so fortunate to receive unwavering support from the incredible team at Pet Supermarket, who – over the last several years – has held in-store donation drives for US War Dogs, raising vital funds to keep our programs going.
And to the trusts and foundations who exist to make donations to organisations like ours, that align with their values – we simply couldn’t continue without your kindness and care. Miranda Lambert’s charitable foundation, MuttNation, has also been a constant and generous supporter of our work and the audience was treated to a special message from Miranda herself, wishing US War Dogs a very happy birthday.
Our birthday celebrations gave us the chance to celebrate our incredible supporters. You have made our past successes possible and will support our future endeavours to continue to be there for MWDs, their handlers and families. Without you, there is no us. Thank you.
