Guide Dogs for the Blind 75th Anniversary a Triumph

GDB puppy raisers Debbie, Mackenzie and Ian Walker pose with a guide dog puppy in training.

Portland, OR. Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) celebrated its 75th anniversary at the Pinot and Pups Fine Wine Auction. The gala at the Portland Art Museum drew 330 guest, the most ever, including GDB puppy raisers Debbie, Mackenzie and Ian Walker who posed with a guide dog puppy in training. The 10th annual event on May 20th, celebrated guide dog teams, volunteers and donors in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Through a silent auction, raffle and a live auction event, the organization raised funds to help veterinary care and other costs associated with raising guide dogs.

Puppy raisers Avonlea Alred, Claire Cooper and Hasol Yu stand with guide dog puppies in training.

Veterinarian Dr. Patti Van De Coevering of Guide Dogs for the Blind visits with a guide dog puppy.

Pinot and Pups Wine Chair Jeff Dresser and his wife Deb Galardi pose with GDB CEO Christine Benninger.

Kari Hebble and her husband Bob Condie enjoy a moment with a black Lab guide dog puppy in training.

GDB donors Linda and Dale Glasser pose with a guide dog puppy in training after winning a live auction package.

GDB supporters Philippe and Jill Andre pose with an adorable yellow Lab guide dog puppy.

Guide Dogs for the Blind alumni Rob and Christina Moreno pose with their working guide dogs in front of GDB’s celebratory 75th anniversary signage. Rob appeared as a speaker at the event, sharing his life’s story with Pinot & Pups attendees.

GDB supporter Rudi Milpacher stands near his custom made statues, which were auctioned off at the event Portland Art Museum.

Based in Boring, Oregon as well as San Rafael, California, GDB receives no government funding and relies on the generosity of donors. Services are free of charge to the recipient, including the guide dog, the two-week intensive training on campus, and ongoing financial assistance for vet care and training help for the working years of the dog.
Here’s a video about the program:

From Guide Dogs for the Blind:

Guide Dogs for the Blind is more than an industry-leading guide dog school; it is a passionate community that serves the visually impaired. With exceptional client services and a robust network of trainers, Puppy Raisers, donors, and volunteers, GDB prepares highly qualified guide dogs to serve and empower individuals who are blind or have low vision. All of its services are provided free of charge. GDB receives no government funding. This year marks our 75th anniversary, and more than 14,000 guide teams have graduated since our founding in 1942. For more information about GDB, visit www.guidedogs.com.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.