2026 Salute to Heroes Gala
K9s For Warriors Raises $1.7M+ at 4th Annual Gala
4 min read
On February 21, 2026, supporters, Warriors, their Service Dogs and community partners gathered at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida for the fourth Annual K9s for Warriors Salute to Heroes Gala – an unforgettable evening celebrating 15 years of saving lives at both ends of the leash.
Thanks to the generosity in the room, more than $1.7 million was raised to help end Veteran suicide and expand access to life-saving Service Dogs nationwide.
This year’s theme centered around the important role that Advocates play in a Veterans’ life. To us, an ‘advocate’ includes the one person in your life who has always watched your six and could be a parent, spouse, child or friend.
18 Warriors were in attendance, along with their Advocates and Service Dogs.
A special thank you to John Bachman, former news anchor at Action News Jacksonville and partner at Bachman Galnor Communications who served as our emcee for the evening.
To kick off the night, Air Force Veteran Adam and his Service Dog Cooper led us through the Pledge of Allegiance. Shortly following, 12-year-old Ponte Vedra resident Adelyn Sacks lit up the stage to sing the National Anthem.
K9s For Warriors Chief Revenue Officer Lindsay Grayson reflected on how far the organization has come since its founding in 2011.
“In our inaugural year, we raised $200,000 and paired eight Warriors with Service Dogs,” she shared. “I’m proud to announce that 2025 was a record-breaking year, with more than $32 million raised.”
She highlighted the organization’s 2025 milestones:
- 128 Warrior-Service Dog pairings
- 198 dogs rescued
- 14 Station Dogs placed with first responder agencies
- More than 9,000 check-ins with Warrior Advocates
“Together, we are changing the world for those who gave everything for ours,” Lindsay said. "Our work matters, and we're just getting started.”
K9s For Warriors CEO Daniel Bean spoke to the heart of the mission and the responsibility to reach more Veterans in need.
“What began as a mother’s hope for her son to heal has grown into a movement,” he said. “While we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished, we are here tonight to say there is still so much more work ahead.”
Elizabeth Dole Foundation CEO Steve Schwab delivered the evening’s Warrior Advocate Impact Speech, underscoring the vital role caregivers play in a Veteran’s recovery.
“Recovery is never a solo act,” he said. “When a trained, trauma-informed Service Dog enters a home, something powerful shifts. The dog is not only supporting the Veteran – the dog is supporting the caregiver.”
He described Service Dogs as “members of the care team,” reinforcing the importance of a coordinated ecosystem of support around Veterans and their families.
The evening’s most powerful moment came from keynote speaker Navy Veteran Will and his Service Dog Bob. Will spoke candidly about his 26 years of service, the challenges of transition and the invisible struggles he faced after hanging up the uniform.
“People see a Veteran who looks composed,” Will shared. “They do not see the battle in your mind.”
He described hitting a dark period in his life before taking a leap of faith and applying to K9s For Warriors…a decision that changed everything for him.
“When they told me to turn around on pairing day, I saw Bob,” Will said. “That was the moment the temperature of my world changed.”
He closed with a reminder of the organization’s lived impact and received a standing ovation from all in the ballroom.
Also during the program, K9s For Warriors proudly honored this year’s award recipients. Each award reflects extraordinary commitment to Veterans, Service Dogs and the families whose lives are transformed through this mission.
Award Recipients
Philanthropist of the Year
Tom & Lis Petersen Family Foundation
Corporate Partner of the Year
Sparkling Ice
Legacy Builder Award
Auld & White Constructors
Volunteer of the Year
Patty Burden
As the evening concluded, guests were invited to stand for one final round of applause for every Warrior and Advocate in the room. The more than $1.7 million raised will help train additional Service Dogs, rescue more dogs and expand operations to reach even more Veterans in the years ahead.
We remain committed to ensuring no Veteran walks alone and continuing our mission until 20 a day becomes zero a day. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your unwavering support.
Special thank you to our wonderful sponsors who made the night possible:
