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2025 Salute To Heroes Gala

K9s For Warriors Raises $1.1M+ at 3rd Annual Gala

3 min read

K9s For Warriors hosted an impactful event, raising a record $1.1 million to pair future Warriors with life-changing Service Dogs. Hundreds of supporters, donors, sponsors and Warriors attended the 2025 Salute To Heroes Gala, presented by Men’s Wearhouse at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa on February 7, 2025.

Twelve Warriors attended the gala with their Service Dogs. First Coast News morning anchor and meteorologist Lew Turner kicked off the event as the emcee. Country singer and songwriter Ryan Larkins performed the national anthem as the festivities began.

This year’s mission focus was the rescued Service Dog. By rescuing most of our dogs, we save two lives – a dog and a Veteran. The harsh reality is more than 1,000 dogs a day are euthanized in shelters. Our goal is to save as many lives as possible. We highlighted the amazing work of our procurement team and showed our guests what it takes to find the ideal Service Dog candidate.

“Just because a dog has a rough past doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be loved,” said K9s Director of Procurement & Placement Dan Clavel during his speech.

Florida’s First Lady Casey DeSantis also spoke, thanking those who have served. “If it weren’t for your sacrifices and what you have done, we would not have the opportunity to be where we are today,” she said. “For all those who are supporting our Veterans, God bless you.”

Keynote speaker, United States Marine Corps Veteran Bill, shared his story of meeting his rescued battle buddy, Link.

“Following combat, I was in a numb space, where if I did something, it was often in anger or frustration. But Link gave me something different. Slowly, day by day, I started to experience emotions that I thought I had lost. Emotions like joy, peace and even love. Link did not just walk beside me, he helped me reconnect to life itself… as I spent more time with Link, I realized that I was no longer missing myself. Link helped me feel a renewed sense of purpose. A purpose I had not felt in years. He gave me the strength to move forward. And that is what K9s For Warriors does. It gives Veterans like me the tools to heal, find purpose, and regain control of our lives.” said Bill, followed by a standing ovation.

Our generous supporters helped us exceed our goal, amassing more than $1.1 million. To put that into perspective, that‘s enough to sponsor more than 36 Service Dogs for future Warriors.

raised to save the next 1,000 Warriors

$ 0 +

"Our donors have made our mission possible for the last 14 years."

“We are immensely grateful for the supportive community that came together for our Warriors and their Service Dogs,” said Lindsay Grayson, Chief Revenue Officer at K9s For Warriors.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who supported us!