On D-Day anniversary, nonprofit group to hold fundraiser at The War Memorial
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs will host its annual fundraiser at the Fred M. Alger Center at The War Memorial. The fundraiser is set for 6 p.m. on June 6, the 79th anniversary of D-Day.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a 501(c)3 based in Williston, Florida, established in 2010. Its goal is to unleash the incredible power of service dogs. War Memorial Board of Directors Secretary Mary Lamparter has volunteered with them for about 10 years, six of which have been as a Michigan regional coordinator.
It will feature Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge - an art installation dedicated to the allies that landed on Omaha Beach in 1944 during World War II. It is the first of its kind in North America and will be dedicated on May 25.
“Having it on the anniversary of D-Day, I want to highlight the monument as well as hold it in the new Alger Center,” Lamparter said.
The June fundraiser for Guardian Angels is the ninth annual and has the theme “celebrate Michigan’s military.” This will be the first time the fundraiser, typically in the fall, will be held at The War Memorial. The evening will include a chance to visit Les Braves II and dinner. The plan is for a trio of commanding generals in Michigan to speak at the program – Maj. Gen. Darren Werner, Brig. Gen. Rolf Mammen and Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers.
Lamparter said that in over 12 years, the organization has paired hundreds of dogs in 29 states. Service dogs are mainly for veterans and first responders. When a dog is placed with an individual, Lamparter commented she knows that person will have a much better life.
“Fundraising all goes to getting service dogs in the hands of individuals that will greatly benefit from the service dog,” she said.
Lamparter noted that it takes up to two years to fully train a service dog. One service dog cost about $25,000 but is no cost to veterans. Guardian Angels relies on fundraising efforts and grants to cover the costs. Her goal is to raise $250,000.
Tickets are available at $150 per person. Sponsorships are available at levels like full team sponsor for $25,000, Medal of Honor sponsor for $10,000, Distinguished Service Cross sponsor for $5,000, and more.
Reserve a seat to the fundraiser at this link.
About The War Memorial
The War Memorial, located on the shores of Lake Saint Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, is an experiential space open to everyone from everywhere. For more than 70 years, it has served as a patriotic, cultural, and community center. Its unique environment attracts more than 3,000 events and 250,000 visitors annually while offering premier hospitality services for community and private gatherings. Its diverse lineup of innovative programming includes live and virtual engagement experiences for adults and children. At its core, The War Memorial celebrates the ideas of American democracy while honoring those who have defended those ideas with tireless effort and personal sacrifice. Numerous patriotic and veterans’ events are held as well as history and civics offerings on the origin, traditions, and challenges facing American democracy. The War Memorial remains committed to serving the community as a unique, dynamic, and forward-thinking hub for southeast Michigan.
CONTACT:
Alex Szwarc, The War Memorial
Manager of Communications
313.881.7514, aszwarc@warmemorial.org