Freedom Service Dogs’ Annual Diamonds in the Ruff
It seems there wasn’t dry eye in the house after watching the video at the “Diamonds in the Ruff” fundraiser, depicting the bond between a service dog and its owner. The amount of love, dedication and completion that comes from both sides is a forceful, beautiful thing.
A packed house of supporters at the Infinity Park Events Center concurred. Just under $90,000 was raised in the paddle raiser alone ($30,000 coming from avid supporter Gilda Kaplin). President and CEO Michele Ostrander and Board Chair Tom Scanlan voiced their appreciation for the commitment of advocates, whether it be in time, money or other volunteer efforts.
Emcee TaRhonda Thomas of 9News and auctioneer/funny guy Reggie Rivers made the program fast-paced and lively. There was a demonstration from special service dogs Blade, Yahtze and Otto and their trainers that again brought home the point of why this program is so successful. The event was concluded by a moving “Thank You” rendition by high school songstress Ramya Sinha.
Freedom Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by rescuing dogs and custom training them for individual client needs. Clients include children, veterans and active duty military, and other adults. Their disabilities include autism, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
The waiting list can be up to a year and a half for a Freedom Service Dog and that can be an eternity for someone in need of a special partner. Log on to www.freedomservicedogs.org and learn how you can help.
Oh yes, and a very happy 7th birthday to Cargo!!
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- Bobbin, Eddie and Michael Holtvluwer with Fender
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- Diana Lonergan and Decker
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- Louie and Mitsue Gratz
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- Brian and Rachel Collie
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- Shirley Shinefeld, left, and Katherine Madden with Pike
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- Nick and Twyla Major
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- Ryan and Michelle Godsil (he’s on the board)
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- Carisa Wilson, Shon Wilson and Shirley Masterson with Rommy (Shon and Rommy were featured in the video and their story was heartwarming)
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- Brenda and Scott Lamer
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- Julie and Doug Arnold
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- Heather and John Knutson, left, with Martha and Greg Kessler
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- Erin and Jeff Leeper
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- Sharon Calahan and her guest
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- The Millers family
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- Cheryl and Scott Stinson
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- Julia and Nakota–their story was also featured in the video
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- Maria and John Tweed
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- Maria and John Tweed with their friend Holly Engelken
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- Ray and Sue Kohinos
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- Tom and Lisa Krowl
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- The Niveiros
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- Lisa Krowl and Cargo
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- Vicki Quiroz, left, and Alyce Matlock with Cargo
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- Nancy Guerre and Thea Necker with Cargo
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- Sheryl and Tom Stefaniak with Walter
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- Karen Trott, left, and Jean Henry with Cargo
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- Lisa Schaffer and Mike Hewelshamp with Cargo
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- Shannon Schulz, left, and Cat Rigle with Cargo
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- Gilda Kaplin, left, with Michael and Lani Kessler
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- Rob and Melanie West with Cargo
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- Lindsey, Cargo’s “mom” and trainer, with Cargo
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- Lindsey and Erin with Cargo
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- Steve and Shannon Avis and Cargo
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- Denny and Allison Friederichs and Cargo
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- Will McCollum and Cargo
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- Tiffany and Leslie with Cargo
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- The Baileys and the Granings with Cargo
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- TaRhonda Thomas says hi to Cargo
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- Andrea Hill and Rob Liess with Cargo
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- Pat Robinson and Roger Armstrong with Cargo
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- Cindy and Leif Wichforst with Cargo
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- Lee and Robert Roper with Cargo
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- “Hal” clowns around with stuffed dogs
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- Linda Kennedy and Mike Cetinich with Cargo
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- Volunteers helped to greet everyone at check-in
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- The silent auction offered lots of great packages
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- Chelsea and Yahtze
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- Dr. John Hardy and Terri Sajbel
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- Kate Keaten and Coop
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- Cliff Baumer played the piano during the reception
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- Cathy Kennedy, left, Jeanette Huevelman and Stephanie Swift manned the champagne flute diamond contest
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- Nicole Eubanks, left, Betsy and Devin Brown
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- Lynn Kennedy, left, Patti Rowe and Rex Kennedy
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- Stuffed dogs awaited new owners as part of the fundraiser
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- Presenting sponsor VISA table guests
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- The Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits table
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- The A-1 Security Systems table
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- The Mercedes Benz of Littleton table
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- TaRhonda Thomas of 9News was the emcee
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- TaRhonda Thomas talks to the crowd
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- Cargo got a cupcake for his 7th birthday
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- Mary and A Ralph Reed, major supporters
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- President and CEO Michele Ostrander welcomes everyone
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- Michele Ostrander talks about FSD history
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- Board Chair Tom Scanlan talks to the crowd
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- Tom Scanlan thanks everyone for their support
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- A Ralph Reed stands as he is acknowledged for all the volunteer time he puts in
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- Blaze, Otto and Yahtze did a service dog demonstration
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- The crowd loved the service dog demonstration
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- Service dogs can help with providing comfort, picking things up, and many more tasks
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- Blaze, Yahtze and Otto finish their show
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- Reggie Rivers and TaRhonda Thomas on stage
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- Reggie Rivers is an avid supporter of FSD
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- Reggie Rivers gets ready to give the stuffed dogs to the first group of people who pledge $200
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- Reggie Rivers offers a Steve Atwater signed football
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- Participants in the auction
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- There’s nothing like a dog’s love.
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- Additional guests at the Mercedes Benz table
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- Tom and Sharon Scanlon clap after the results of their donated Kauai condo (Michele Ostrander in back)
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- The paddle raiser
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- Gilda Kaplin smiles as the crowd applauds her $30,000 donation
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- REbecca wins the diamond!
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- Ramya Sinha did a beautiful rendition of the song “Thank You.”
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- Ramya Sinha has a beautiful voice and everyone loved that she shared it to close out the amazing program.
