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It’s full speed ahead! The renovation project officially began on the Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs (GPAWS) new facility on June 16 as the organization’s founder, board president, donors, friends, and volunteers each took a hammer swing to begin the long-awaited renovation project for the former Naples Harley- Davidson facility. A special group of attendees were present to witness the special commemorative ceremony and to watch the bullseye on one of the interior walls become the starting point of the renovation project. The 30,000 square foot facility sits on 2.75 acres which will allow Golden PAWS to house and train up to 40 dogs at a time, doubling their current capacity at their Horseshoe Drive. The renovation will include the interior and exterior. Jeannie Bates, Founder and Executive Director of Golden PAWS, announced at the ceremony that in addition to other leadership gift commitments already secured for the project, a new $1M challenge gift from local philanthropists and long-time GPAWS supporters, Patty and Jay Baker. “There has been a growing need among veterans for highly skilled service dogs over the past few years,” says Jeannie Bates, Founder and Executive Director of Golden PAWS. “Although we would love to have been able to move in already, we are extremely grateful for the incredibly generous gifts that allowed us to move forward with the purchase last year.” The Golden PAWS team worked with JMDG Architecture for the building plans and is excited to have PBS Contractors transform the former motorcycle dealership into a state-of- the-art service dog training facility that will serve as a model for the industry. “We are truly honored to be renovating the iconic Harley-Davidson Building for Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs,” noted Mike Conroy, Assistant to PBS Contractors Vice President. “It is not often we get the opportunity to work with an organization that has such a large impact on the community and this country’s service veterans. This time, we get that chance." Conroy added, “At PBS, our mission is to ‘Build better lives for our Team, our Clients, and our Community,’ and there is no organization that personifies that mission more than Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs. We cannot wait to complete this project for their team and the community. This is a project we will all remember forever.” ABOUT the Just Imagine capital campaign The need for expansion was the catalyst for the organization’s Just Imagine capital campaign; the goal -- establish a permanent home for Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs. The purchase of the property was made possible by leadership gifts from Mr. Tim and Mrs. Sharon Ubben and Mr. Kenneth P. and Mrs. Susan Meyer. In honor of their gifts, the Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs Campus will be named Ken & Susan Meyer Center for Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs. These gifts, along with other early leadership gifts have allowed Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs to launch its $20,000,000 capital campaign with over half of the funds already committed. Additional funds and community involvement are needed to meet the $1m challenge from the Bakers and to complete the project; various naming opportunities are still available. ABOUT Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes independence for combat-wounded veterans and children with life-changing disabilities through partnerships with skilled assistance dogs. The service dogs are always placed at no cost to those they serve. Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs provides education and community outreach in support of the organizations’ mission through therapy and ambassador dog programs. Golden PAWS is a respected and sustainable organization that creates a meaningful impact for service dog recipients while making lasting contributions in support of the community and those we serve. To learn how you can support Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs’ mission or for more information about the organization, please visit www.GoldenPaws.org or call Ashley Zani at 239-775-1660.
It’s full speed ahead! The renovation project officially began on the Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs (GPAWS) new facility on June 16 as the organization’s founder, board president, donors, friends, and volunteers each took a hammer swing to begin the long-awaited renovation project for the former Naples Harley- Davidson facility.
A special group of attendees were present to witness the special commemorative ceremony and to watch the bullseye on one of the interior walls become the starting point of the renovation project.
The 30,000 square foot facility sits on 2.75 acres which will allow Golden PAWS to house and train up to 40 dogs at a time, doubling their current capacity at their Horseshoe Drive. The renovation will include the interior and exterior.
Jeannie Bates, Founder and Executive Director of Golden PAWS, announced at the ceremony that in addition to other leadership gift commitments already secured for the project, a new $1M challenge gift from local philanthropists and long-time GPAWS supporters, Patty and Jay Baker.
“There has been a growing need among veterans for highly skilled service dogs over the past few years,” says Jeannie Bates, Founder and Executive Director of Golden PAWS. “Although we would love to have been able to move in already, we are extremely grateful for the incredibly generous gifts that allowed us to move forward with the purchase last year.”
The Golden PAWS team worked with JMDG Architecture for the building plans and is excited to have PBS Contractors transform the former motorcycle dealership into a state-of- the-art service dog training facility that will serve as a model for the industry.
“We are truly honored to be renovating the iconic Harley-Davidson Building for Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs,” noted Mike Conroy, Assistant to PBS Contractors Vice President. “It is not often we get the opportunity to work with an organization that has such a large impact on the community and this country’s service veterans. This time, we get that chance."
Conroy added, “At PBS, our mission is to ‘Build better lives for our Team, our Clients, and our Community,’ and there is no organization that personifies that mission more than Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs. We cannot wait to complete this project for their team and the community. This is a project we will all remember forever.”
ABOUT the Just Imagine capital campaign
The need for expansion was the catalyst for the organization’s Just Imagine capital campaign; the goal -- establish a permanent home for Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs.
The purchase of the property was made possible by leadership gifts from Mr. Tim and Mrs. Sharon Ubben and Mr. Kenneth P. and Mrs. Susan Meyer. In honor of their gifts, the Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs Campus will be named Ken & Susan Meyer Center for Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs. These gifts, along with other early leadership gifts have allowed Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs to launch its $20,000,000 capital campaign with over half of the funds already committed.
Additional funds and community involvement are needed to meet the
$1m challenge from the Bakers and to complete the project; various naming opportunities are still available.
ABOUT Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs
Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes independence for combat-wounded veterans and children with life-changing disabilities through partnerships with skilled assistance dogs.
The service dogs are always placed at no cost to those they serve. Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs provides education and community outreach in support of the organizations’ mission through therapy and ambassador dog programs. Golden PAWS is a respected and sustainable organization that creates a meaningful impact for service dog recipients while making lasting contributions in support of the community and those we serve.
To learn how you can support Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs’ mission or for more information about the organization, please visit www.GoldenPaws.org or call Ashley Zani at 239-775-1660.