Puppy Jake Foundation is beyond words of appreciation and gratitude for the support from Merchants Bonding Bill Warner Senior Charity Golf Classic.  The generosity of  from the single event raised $160,000 for Puppy Jake Foundation.  YES, that's complete sponsorship of 8 service dogs for wounded Military Veterans.

Here is the press release in it's entirety:   


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 20, 2016 West Des Moines, IA

Merchants Bonding Company Foundation Raises $160,000 for Puppy Jake
A record number of golfers turned out for the Merchants Bonding Company Foundation’s Bill Warner Senior Memorial Charity Golf Classic on Monday September 19.  With 208 golfers and 74 corporate sponsors from across the country, the group raised $160,000 dollars to buy and train at least 8 service dogs for veterans suffering from physical disabilities and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

“This is a record amount for us,” said Merchants President Larry Taylor, “since we began our every other year tournament in 2010, it’s grown in both participation and dollars.  We feel very humbled and fortunate that so many supported our efforts to help veterans.”

“I am still speechless!” said Puppy Jake CEO Becky Beach. “We can’t thank everyone enough and obviously our words don’t convey the appreciation and deep gratitude from everyone associated with Puppy Jake Foundation.”

Puppy Jake began in 2013 and as of the beginning of 2016 had placed just 5 service dogs with Iowa area veterans with great success. There are now 32 dogs in various stages of training and about a dozen will be placed with veterans in 2016.  The word is spreading among veterans that a Puppy Jake dog is a real option to make their lives better. 

Puppy Jake Foundation purchases high quality, pure bred puppies from reputable breeders. Volunteers raise the puppies with expenses being paid by donations.   Puppy Jake has also begun to work with rescue and shelter organizations to identify dogs that may be able to enter the two- year service dog training program. Each veteran and trained service dog attend a 10-14 day camp to ensure the bond between the two is strong.  The training of the veteran/service dog team continues regularly for the first year of placement.  Follow up and training continues for the life of the service dog.

“Word of our fundraising got to one donor who would like to remain anonymous, and that donor alone gave $20,000, enough to sponsor one dog,” said Merchants COO Bill Warner Junior. “The desire to help our veterans is strong and we are honored that we could use my dad’s memorial outing to give back to the men and women who serve our country.”
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Merchants Bonding Company was founded in Des Moines in 1933 and is led by fourth generation family members.  The company ranks 15th among the top surety providers in the United States and is number one in Iowa.  Merchants Bonding has had an A.M. Best Rating of “A” excellent for 56 consecutive years.  Office locations include: Des Moines, Iowa, Dallas and Austin, Texas, Seattle, Washington and Overland Park, Kansas.

For More Information:
Therese Wielage
VP Marketing
Merchants Bonding Company
www.merchantsbonding.com
Direct: 515-558-8721  Mobile 515-822-1194

Puppy Jake Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to help wounded military veterans with the assistance of well-bred and professionally trained service dogs. Veterans’ injuries may be invisible such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or physical mobility impairments. The Foundation advocates for increased awareness and accessibility for those accompanied by a service dog in everyday situations. For more information, please visit: www.puppyjakefoundation.org

Contact:
Becky Beach
P.O. Box 12115
Des Moines, IA 50312
515-419-1858