posted September 28, 2009
Goodwill is hosting its first Pickin’ for the Pups fundraiser on Thursday at Bessie Smith Hall. The event’s proceeds will go to the Goodwill Assistance Dog Academy, a partnership with McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center that trains rescued dogs to be service animals for people with disabilities.
The average cost per person who receives an assistance dog is $25,000, so every little bit helps, according to Sarah Hollyday.
“We have to train anywhere from six to 10 dogs for around two years to find an animal that can master all of the commands needed to help someone with physical disabilities,” said Mrs. Hollyday, who is the director of the academy.
The 90 commands the dogs learn includes everything from opening and closing doors and drawers to turning lights off and on and summoning help in an emergency, she said.
“Goodwill is very grateful that these amazing bluegrass musicians have donated their time and talents to help us raise funds to train these special dogs, and we hope the event will be as successful and educational as it will be fun.”
Musician, author and former Hamilton County Executive Dalton Roberts is headlining the event with Tom Morgan and Lynne Haas. Up-and-coming artists Noah Collins, Butch Ross, Kelsey’s Woods, Slim Pickin’s, New Binkley Brothers, Neal Stamey and Friends and Tiffany Taylor will also perform on two stages from 6-10 p.m.
Tickets are available at the discounted price of $20 from now until Sept. 30 and can be purchased online at www.goodwillchatt.org or at the East Ridge, Highway 58 or Hixson Goodwill retail stores. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $25.
All tickets include all-you-can-eat barbeque on artisan buns from Niedlov’s Breadworks, as well as unlimited soft drinks provided by Double-Cola and beer from Budweiser of Chattanooga.
Pickin’ for the Pups is presented by Mellow Mushroom, KZ-106, Talk 102.3, News Radio WGOW, 107.9 The Duke and Blush magazine. The event is sponsored by Blood Assurance, Scott Ferguson/BB&T Huffaker & Trimble Insurance Services, SunTrust Bank and Penske.
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