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Renewal by Andersen of Central and Northern New Jersey is proud to give back to U.S. military veterans and active duty soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress (PTS) and traumatic brain injury as a result of military service after 9/11 by helping to sponsor a benefit event to raise funds for support the noble efforts of K9s for Warriors on Nov. 16, 2014 at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway, NJ.
The event, K9s for Warriors Comedy Night, expects to raise over $65,000 for the non-profit organization that helps provide service dogs to U.S. veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress (PTS) and traumatic brain injury as a result of military service post 9/11. The organization’s goal is to give “a new leash on life to rescue dogs and military heroes, empowering warriors to return to civilian life with dignity and independence.”
Tax deductible donations can be made by visiting K9s for Warriors donation page at http://k9sforwarriors.donorpages.com/MyEvent/RBANewJersey on the DONATE HERE button in the upper right corner which will redirect you to the organization’s donations page. Or you can send checks directly to K9s for Warriors, 260 South Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. There is a downloadable form on the website if you would like your donation in honor of someone else. Please reference Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey.
The Comedy Night to raise both awareness and funding for the organization will feature big names in radio and comedy. Big Joe Henry of radio station 101.5 FM, and a full lineup of comedians, including Jeff Norris, Renee DeLorenzo, John Pizza and other special guests will entertain guests at the Union County Performing Arts Center. Tickets to the event can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 732-499-8226 or at TicketMaster.com (search for K9s for Warriors).
Helping Soldiers with PTS & TBI
“Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injuries are real issues for our soldiers coming back from the Middle East,” Larry Landes, Renewal by Andersen of Central and Northern New Jersey president said. “These issues have destroyed the lives of countless servicemen and women and these dogs have proven to have a dramatic positive impact on these heroes’ lives. We are honored to help however we can to get these heroes back on their feet and living productive lives again.”
Renewal by Andersen of Central and Northern New Jersey is partnering with Troopers Assisting Troops to bring New York and New Jersey residents a night of laughter and fun. Troopers Assisting Troops is a non-profit group of retired and active New Jersey State Troopers and friends providing support to returning soldiers from active duty in the Middle East.
“Our program has been successful, with documented recovery from the debilitating horrors of war, but the need is critical and overwhelming, Shari Duval, K9s for Warriors president said. “We currently have a year-long waiting list, we must do more. Our plans are to expand our current program to serve more warriors. We will continue our goal of serving our Nation’s Greatest Asset, our Military Men and Women.
K9s for Warriors reports that it costs approximately $15,000 to train and pair up a rescue dog with a wounded warrior.
According to K9s for Warriors:
• 129 Warrior-Canine teams have graduated from K9s for Warriors with a 96% re-certification rate.
• Sponsors fund our operating expenses. 100% of sponsors’ donations go straight to Warrior-Canine programs.
• 92% of warriors have reduced or eliminated prescription medication within six months of graduation.
Service dogs have been long used as companions and helpers for those with disabilities such as blindness, but only recently have we learned how they can help guide those suffering with less visible conditions.
Dogs Help Soldiers Face the World Together
As a recent graduate of the K9 for Warriors said, “My dog provides me with a focal point to turn to when I feel myself triggered. In the past, my anxiety would ignite, like a rocket on a launch pad. Now, I have the wonderful ability to turn to my K9 to break the cycle. When I am in public, he has already learned what makes me anxious and leans into me to let me know he is right there with me. His “presence” is a confidence builder for me. In private, he has a innate ability to sense when I am spiraling downward. He asserts himself into my gloomy place and brightens my spirits. His unconditional love lets me know ‘I can DO this!’ and we are going to face the world TOGETHER!”
K9s for Warriors obtains its dogs from shelters, rescue organizations, private donors and area breeders so it is providing a service for both the soldiers and the dogs. The organization has found that Labrador and Golden Retrievers, and retriever mixes, have the best temperament and desire to please for service dog work.
About K9s for Warriors
K9s For Warriors is a not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code dedicated to providing service canines to our warriors suffering from post-traumatic stress and/or traumatic brain injury as a result of military service post 9/11. Our goal is to give a new leash on life to rescue dogs and military heroes, empowering warriors to return to civilian life with dignity and independence. To donate, visit the organization’s donations page. Let them know you heard about them from Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey.
About Troopers Helping Troops
Troopers Assisting Troops (TAT) is a grass roots non-profit group of retired and active New Jersey State Troopers and friends providing support to returning Wounded Warriors from the Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) theaters with local recreational and rehabilitative programs. TAT works closely with, and utilizes the expertise, knowledge and assistance of the Wounded Warrior Project.Org (WWP) of Jacksonville, Florida.