Proceeds from the Congressional Club's First Lady's Luncheon go to Southeastern Guide Dogs
Photo: (left to right): Larissa Daigle, director, Philanthropy; graduate Shauna English with guide dog PJ; CEO Titus Herman, holding commemorative check for donation from the Congressional Club made to Southeastern Guide Dogs in support of the visually impaired and veterans.
$21,000 donated to support the visually impaired and veterans
(July 20, 2017), Palmetto, Fla.–Each year since 1912 the Congressional Club in Washington, D.C. has hosted its time-honored First Lady’s Luncheon. Founded in 1908 to provide a non-partisan setting for friendships among the spouses of members of the House and Senate, the Club and its partners select causes that support the military and their families as recipients of proceeds from the luncheon, which this year honored Melania Trump.
Thanks to the 2017 Luncheon Chair, Carolyn Yoho, Southeastern Guide Dogs was selected to receive a donation of $21,000.
Mrs. Yoho is the wife of Theodore Scott “Ted” Yoho, U.S. Representative (R) from the 3rd Congressional district of Florida (North Central Florida), elected in 2013. He is a veterinarian from Gainesville with a particular interest in the extraordinary dogs that help transform the lives of the visually impaired and veterans. The theme of the luncheon and fashion show, held at the Washington Hilton ballroom for about 1,400 members and their guests, was “A New Direction.”
“We are honored to be recognized by the bi-partisan Congressional Club for the services we provide, at no cost, to those who cannot see and those who have seen too much,” said Titus Herman, CEO of Southeastern Guide Dogs. “It is our firm belief that when it comes to the emotional and physical well-being of our veterans, they have served us valiantly, and now it is our turn.”
About Southeastern Guide Dogs
Southeastern Guide Dogs transforms lives by creating and nurturing extraordinary partnerships between people and dogs. Employing the latest in canine development and behavior research, the national organization trains guide dogs, service dogs, and companion dogs for people living with significant challenges including those with visual impairments and veterans with disabilities.
All of Southeastern Guide Dogs’ services – which include selective breeding and expert dog training; comprehensive on-campus student instruction; and lifetime graduate follow-up – are provided at no cost to the recipients. The charity relies 100% on private donations. Southeastern Guide Dogs has the distinction of being dually accredited by the two premier, global accreditation bodies: the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International.
