Portland, OR. Guide Dogs for the Blind celebrated its Oregon Fall Luncheon on November 4th at The Nines Hotel in downtown Portland. Attendees enjoyed a wine reception where they mingled with GDB puppies and guide dogs, followed by a lunch that featured a moving and educational program. Mark Wright and Claire Widmark-Wright met their new guide dog puppy Kona. As is customary at GDB events, a presentation of young puppies to their new volunteer puppy raisers closed out the event to the delight of the guests.
Honoree Howard Hedinger with keynote speaker Kathryn Marksen-Simonson and her guide dog, Nabisco.
Guide Dogs for the Blind President and CEO Christine Benninger with GDB Board Member Von Summers.
There was a demo of GDB’s positive reinforcement methods for guide dog training, and alumna Kathryn Marxen Simonson, with her guide dog, Nabisco, provided the keynote address. In addition, GDB honored long-time supporter, Howard Hedinger, for his many years of dedication to our mission.
From Guide Dogs for the Blind:
Since 1942, Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) has been creating partnerships between people, dogs, and communities. With exceptional client services and a robust network of instructors, puppy raisers, donors, and volunteers, we prepare highly qualified guide dogs to serve and empower individuals who are blind or have low vision from throughout the United States and Canada.
All of the services for our clients are provided free of charge, including personalized training and extensive post-graduation support, plus financial assistance for veterinary care, if needed. Our work is made possible by the generous support of our donors and volunteers; we receive no government funding.
