Guide Dog News
2016, Issue #3
Special Edition: Announcing GDB’s Campaign for a New Puppy Center
COVER PHOTO
An architect’s rendering of GDB’s new Puppy Center.
INSIDE
- Greetings: We’re building for our future! Read all about plans for our new Puppy Center from our President and CEO Christine Benninger.
- Wonder Dogs: Kapow! Check out some highlights from our recent Fun Day events that celebrated our superhero puppies and puppy raisers.
- Groundbreaking: Can you dig it? In tandem with Fun Day on our California campus, we held a special groundbreaking ceremony for the new Puppy Center.
Puppies with a Purpose
“I’m very excited to be part of this important effort. The new facility will honor the efforts of GDB’s unsung heroes, our breeder custodians, and puppy raisers. It will provide a safe, comfortable and nurturing environment for the puppies, professionals, and volunteers who work with them. The new Puppy Center has been in the planning stage for a long time, and we’re very excited to move forward with the capital campaign that will make the Center a reality.” —Campaign Chair and Board Member Andy Mathieson
Puppies with a Purpose Campaign Committee
- Christine Benninger, President & CEO
- Andrew Mathieson, Campaign Chair & Board Member
- Cathy Martin, Treasurer & CFO
- Tom Horton, Vice President of Philanthropy
- Janet Benjamin, National Major Gifts Officer
- Len Almalech, Board Member
- Melissa Hudson, Board Member
- Tom Kowalski, Board Member
- Dan L’Abbe
- Julie Burnet
- Bruce Potter
Greetings from the CEO
Hello all,
We are very excited to share this special Guide Dog News issue with you, which celebrates GDB’s forthcoming Puppy Center and our Puppies with a Purpose Campaign. The 28,000 square foot Center—slated to open in 2018 at our headquarters in San Rafael, California—is designed to help more puppies reach their potential to become guide dogs that truly transform lives. We strongly believe that by creating more nurturing environments and enhancing the experiences that puppies have in the first critical weeks of their lives, we will be able to meet a very important and game-changing goal: to breed fewer dogs and serve more clients.
The Puppy Center will feature three areas: a Puppy Nursery that will provide a healthier, more enriching habitat for mothers and their pups; an innovative Young Heroes Academy, which features a walking track and indoor/outdoor yard specially designed to foster the pups’ confidence and provide early interactive experiences; and a Learning lab, where the public can view puppies and learn more about GDB’s mission through interactive exhibits.
Thus far, we have raised $12 million of the $20 million needed to fully fund the Puppies with a Purpose Campaign. I am hoping each and every one of you will want to be a part of this amazing project, because it is only with your support that we can go on and continue to change the world.
Thank you.
Christine Benninger, President and CEO
Puppy Nursery
The new Puppy Center will feature larger, non-linear kennel spaces that incorporate approachable and interesting materials that are both aesthetically pleasing and functionally efficient. In the Puppy Nursery, stalls will have distinct areas that enable mother dogs to care for their litters and also have a separate area to rest, relieve, and access outdoor space for exercise.
In the Center, we will establish a “puppy bubble” that utilizes best practices in biosecurity to keep our puppies healthy, from the time they are born until they leave our doors, especially in the critical phase after they have been separated from their mothers’ milk and the accompanying antibodies it provides.
Enhancements will include:
- Changing room areas for staff and volunteers that help preserve the distinction between clean and dirty zones
- A stable, segregated air system
- Less porous flooring and other surfaces that are less likely to harbor bacteria and viruses
- Isolation areas for potentially contagious puppies
“The new Puppy Center will allow us to implement innovative practices aimed at providing our mom dogs with a supportive and enriching environment so they can relax and focus on nurturing their puppies, said Director of Breeding and Canine Development Jenna Bullis. “Our staff and volunteers will also be able to work with our puppies, beginning at birth, to develop each individual using cutting-edge socialization techniques.”
Young Heroes Academy
The Young Heroes Academy section of the new Puppy Center will feature areas for enhanced puppy socialization and enrichment. Stalls will incorporate varied textures, surfaces, and sounds that will provide exposure to environmental stimuli throughout the duration of the puppies’ stay. The socialization area will feature a walking track and indoor/outdoor yard specially designed to foster the pups’ confidence and provide early interactive experiences. Increased socialization opportunities for our puppies contribute to higher success rates, reduction in the number of puppies required to meet program goals, reduced breeding, and a smaller breeding colony.
The new Center will also have streamlined and ergonomic work stations, dedicated changing areas, and optimal lighting so that our dedicated staff and volunteers will have a functional and pleasant work environment. Features will include:
- Non-linear and modular stalls
- Well-designed work stations
- Updated equipment
“Our Young Heroes Academy will allow us to provide more in-depth socialization experiences which are critical for puppies at this time in their lives,” said Puppy Socializing Coordinator Sharon Kret. “At this age, puppies need to be able to explore, learn, build their confidence, and start to form a strong human bond. Our new facility will allow us to further expand our socialization programs to help provide our pups with the best possible start to their lives as future guides.”
Learning Lab
The ability to see our puppies is one of the key reasons that GDB’s campus tours are so popular—more than 15,000 people visit our California campus each year. With the Learning Lab in place, the public will have an unprecedented view into our young canine heroes’ lives. The Learning Lab will enable visitors to view our volunteer puppy socializers as they work with the pups, as well as peek into a “real life” room where our puppies get to experience a home-like environment.
This educational center will also serve to expand the public’s understanding of GDB’s mission through a series of interactive, accessible exhibits about our programs and members of our community. “We are really looking forward to the educational component, in the hope we can gain more awareness of our organization and connection to our mission,” said President and CEO Christine Benninger. The ultimate goal of the Learning Lab will be to provide a unique experience that will stay with guests long after their visit.
Courtyard Plaza
As part of the Puppy Center project, a courtyard plaza will be built to replace our current Receiving and Puppy kennels on the California campus. The courtyard’s park-like environment will play a key role in the enhanced visitor experience, as tours will visit it after experiencing the Learning Lab; the courtyard will provide the opportunity to learn more about the intricacies of guide dog training. The plaza will contain three large contoured dog exercise yards and will also serve as a guide dog training area for two primary functions: training guide dogs to stop for overhead obstacles, and teaching them how to back up in a straight line in order to avoid potential hazards. The courtyard space will also function as a bio retention area for drainage, as well as an outdoor event space.
A special part of the courtyard plaza (that will also function as a stage for events) will be the Lee Shenk Memorial Bridge. Lee Shenk, a retired federal park ranger and GDB veterinary clinic volunteer, had worked as a GDB Puppy Truck driver since 2006 and was extremely passionate about his job delivering young guide dog puppies to their eagerly awaiting puppy raisers. In January 2016, Lee was tragically killed by a car while crossing an intersection in Grants Pass, Ore. “Lee was a bridge between our campuses and our many puppy raisers throughout the 10 Western States,” said President and CEO Chris Benninger. “For many, Lee was the primary contact our puppy raisers had with GDB. We felt that a beautiful bridge in the courtyard plaza of our new Puppy Center was a wonderful way to honor Lee and the important role that he played at Guide Dogs for the Blind.”
Happenings
Fun Day
Was it a bird? A plane?? No, it was our 58th Annual Fun Day celebrating our incredible superhero Wonder Dogs! The events, complete with activities, seminars, and puppy deliveries, were held on both GDB campuses to thank our amazing puppy raisers, and also to kick off the public phase of the Puppies with a Purpose campaign for our new Puppy Center. This year, approximately 1,100 people and 325 dogs joined the celebration on our California campus, while 350 people and 125 dogs joined us at the Oregon campus. Thanks to all of the GDB volunteers who attended ... you’re all superheroes in our book! To see more photos from Fun Day, visit flickr.com/photos/guidedogsfortheblind.
Thank you to all of our fans and followers on social media! Check out #guidedogsfortheblind to see what’s happening in our community!
Puppy Center Groundbreaking
As part of the Fun Day celebration on our California campus, a groundbreaking ceremony was held on the site of the future Puppy Center. Canine Welfare Training Technician Shannon Del Buono led the charge with her career change dog, Sparks, who enthusiastically dug into a large ceremonial pile of dirt, to much applause. Board members and Puppies with a Purpose Campaign Committee members followed with golden shovels.
Save the Date
Fundraising Events:
- Oregon Fall Luncheon: Friday, November 4, 2016, Portland, OR
- Festive Holiday Luncheon: Thursday, December 1, 2016, SF, CA
Visit guidedogs.com/events for info.
Puppy Center Events
We will be holding informational Puppy Center events in these cities/areas:
- Phoenix
- Los Angeles
- Dallas
- Austin
- Seattle
- Oregon
- Orange County, CA
- Napa Valley
- Silicon Valley
- Marin County, CA
- Oakland
- Healdsburg
Stay tuned—locations, dates, and times will be announced in 2017.Visit guidedogs.com/puppycenter for info.
DonorProfile
Dedicated GDB volunteer Julie Burnet first came to GDB in 2004 when she launched her own business and was able to take one afternoon off a week to walk dogs. Today, Julie is retired, but her involvement with GDB has grown. She now volunteers at our California campus three days a week, and is a member of our President’s Circle and Legacy Society.
“I have volunteered or currently volunteer as a dog walker, brood enrichment socializer, whelping kennel assistant, Training Department distraction volunteer, foster care provider, and I’ve even made Development Department donor thank you calls,” Julie said. “I love working with dogs in any capacity—they are so special—but GDB has allowed me to meet so many great people too! From graduates to puppy raisers to staff to breeder custodians. Several grads and many of my fellow volunteers have become very good friends. It makes volunteering here so much fun.”
Julie was one of the earliest financial contributors to the Puppies with a Purpose Campaign and is so committed to the project that she has joined the campaign committee. “A new Puppy Center has been my passion for at least eight years,” she said. “The current neonatal and puppy kennels are more than 40 years old and are in desperate need of upgrades to better serve our puppies. I was so terribly thrilled when the Board approved this amazing project. I hope to assist in taking our campaign over the top of the $20 million project cost.”
“I have lived a very good and gifted life and I hope that I can spend my retirement years giving back in time and energy as best I can,” Julie said. “The GDB family is extensive, dedicated, and truly amazing. The commitment ultimately to the alumni—in breeding, raising, and training outstanding dogs—astounds me every day.”
Puppies with a Purpose Campaign Donors
As of August 15, 2016
$1,000,000+
Hind Foundation
Richard F. Aster Jr. Foundation
Travers Family Foundation
$500,000-$999,999
Thelma B. & Thomas P. Hart Foundation
$250,000-$499,999
Alex Aal
Julie Burnet
Dr. S. Jay Hazan
$100,000-$249,999
Arthur L. and Elaine V. Johnson Foundation
Jane and Bruce Bohman
Janice Bohman and Eric Keller
Dermetzis and Cano Family
Mrs. Betty White Ludden
Melvin and Geraldine Hoven Foundation
Ralph B. Rogers Foundation
Wallis Smith
The Rubin Family Foundation
$50,000-$99,999
Ann and Andy Mathieson
Mr. James E. Oliver, Jr.
Estate of Samuel W. Parke
Mrs. Peri N. Urvek
Linda Von Rhine
$25,000-$49,999
Kimberly and Leonard Almalech
Susan Boeing
Jamie Smith Carr
L. A. Southwest Guide Dog Raisers
Dennis Marino
Hilda Namm
Susie and Ted Schaefer
The Ann Jackson Family Foundation
VIP3 Puppy Club
Greer and Joseph Whitters
$10,000-$24,999
Don Bloyer
Ruth Ann and Mark Dodson
Eileen and Mark Goor
Rita Schaefer
Katie Taggart
The Suzi Whitehead Memorial
Deanne L. Witt
$5,000-$9,999
Mary Z. Ancell
Grace and Ed Ehrman
Emily Janowsky
Andrea and Tom Kowalski
Brook and Jack Scott
Tee Off For Dogs
$1,000-$4,999
Dori Bergman
Joan Boyd
Tim Bogan and Richard McCarthy
Kathleen and Bob Burke
Sigrid and Robert Button
Lanice Clark
Jay Harris, Deborah Kendrick, and Gail and George Kerscher
Melissa and David Hudson
Michael and Constance Laflamme
Rosemary and Phil Maresca
Stuart Odell
Janice and Donald Provan
Greg Steffes
Barbara and Von Summers
To learn more about our Puppies with a Purpose Campaign, including donation and naming opportunities, please contact Therese Jacobson in our Development Department at , or 415.499.4046, or visit guidedogs.com/puppycenter. Gifts of $1,000 or more will be recognized on the Puppy Center donor wall.
Thank You to Our New Supporters, May 1-July 31, 2016
President’s Circle
Honoring the generous major donors who contribute $5,000 or more annually.
Heroes: $50,000-$99,999
Peter and Judith Paige
Partners: $25,000-$49,999
Anonymous (1)
Ron Richardson and Kathy Leathers
Companions: $10,000-$24,999
Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP
Ames-Fluhrer Charitable Fund
Anait Foundation
Mr. Richard O. Dean
Dwight Stuart Youth Fund
EliaGurvetch Vision Assistance Fund
Epic RoasthouseWaterbar
Hair of the Dog Brewing Co.
Horne Family Charitable Foundation Inc.
James Jackson
Diana and Del McCormick
Katie Taggart
The Danford Foundation
The Edward and Romell Ackley Foundation
The Festoon Foundation Inc.
The William and Debra Gershen Foundation
Friends: $5,000-$9,999
American Century Investments Foundation
Bakersfield Breakfast Lions
Bigge Equipment Co.
BlackRock, Inc.
Barbara and Bruce Boyles
Cheryl and Dave Brockman
Kellen Brockman
Irene Christopher
Duane Morris LLP
Susan and Rich Eppendorfer
Katharine and Donald Epstein
Betsy Folwell
Foundation Constructors, Inc.
Sarah and Wayne Gabel
LeesaGidaro
Margie and Bob Giles
Linda and Dale Glasser
Grosvenor Capital Management LP
Derek Holland
Hopp Foundation
Camille and David Jassny
Cherelyn and Warren Johnson
Patricia Joseph
Kie Con Inc
Mrs. Killough and Mr. Selleron
Mrs. Shirley Loube
Mr. & Mrs. A. E. Michelbacher
Mrs. Matilda Price
Quentin & Virginia Peterson Charitable Foundation
Karen and Doug Rice
Silicon Valley Bank
Frans and Fred Simson
SurveyMonkey
The Virginia W. Hill Foundation
James Tomlinson
Walker Family Foundation
Ms. Elaine Wilderman
Legacy Society
Recognizing the vision of those who have included GDB in their estate plans. New members, May 1-July 31, 2016.
Sandy S. Beery
Jamie Gates
Robert Hazelwood
Arby and Marilyn Hoobyar
Rose Low
Jeanne K. Manning
Diane Meagher
Lauretta and Michael Merchant
Lorraine Meyer-Peyton
Harriet Moore
Mrs. Mary L. Murphey
David and Denise Okagaki
Ms. Cheryl A. Sauerman
Charles and Evelyn Severson
Bill and Cindy Steenis
Alice P. Thomas
Esther Vergeront
You Can Make a Difference
Send a donation today
- Please use our mailing address for donations: Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 17068, Baltimore, MD 21297-0334. You can also donate online: guidedogs.com.
- Eliminate checks and postage
Direct your bank to automatically transfer your donation.
- Make an Honor or Memorial gift
Pay tribute to a friend, relative or pet; we will send cards of celebration or sympathy in your name.
- Create a Legacy in your estate
Name GDB in your will, trust or as a beneficiary of your annuity, life insurance policy, IRA or retirement plan. We honor such commitments with membership in our Legacy Society.
- Designate your gift
Designate your donation to go toward a specific GDB program. Contact us for more info.
Guide Dogs for the Blind will occasionally share donor information with like-minded nonprofit organizations in an effort to better fulfill our mission and serve our clients. If you do not wish to have your information shared, please call us at the phone number below, or email us at .
For more info, please contact our Development Department at (800) 295-4050 extension 4160.