Proceeds enable Stink Bug Project, Freedom Service Dogs and Green Beret Foundation to provide needed services 

August 18, 2017 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time 

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--VCA Animal Hospitals of Colorado was bequeathed $135,000 by a deceased local pet lover to benefit local nonprofits. Through the VCA Charities Pennies for Pets program, all VCA hospitals within Colorado raised an additional $1,500 bringing the total to $136,500. The funds will be distributed equally among three worthwhile nonprofits: Stink Bug Project, Freedom Service Dogs of America and Green Beret Foundation. Each organization will receive $45,500 enabling them to continue their important work in the community. 

“A donation of this size is significant for us,” comments Erin Conley, Marketing & Public Relations director at Freedom Service Dogs of America. “It costs at least $30,000 to fully train a service dog and currently the demand for service dogs is much higher than the supply so this donation will certainly go to good use.” 

“We are honored to support these three amazing organizations that provide important services to our community,” said Jennie Martin, VCA Regional Operations Director for Colorado. “It will be exciting to see how these funds allow each group to continue their work.” 

The donation presentation will take place at VCA Alameda East in Aurora, Colorado on Wednesday, August 23 between 3:30pm and 5pm. Representatives and volunteers from the three nonprofit organizations, as well as leadership from VCA, will be present and members of the media are welcome to attend. 

About the Nonprofits 

Stink Bug Project is a nonprofit program of Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation (RMCHF) which supports families who have a child diagnosed with a serious medical condition. Founded in 2010, the Stink Bug Project partners with the Prison-Trained K-9 Program at Colorado Correctional Industries to match well-trained, loving companion dogs with families throughout the Rocky Mountain region. For more information visit www.stinkbugproject.org 

Freedom Service Dogs of America is a Denver-based nonprofit organization that unleashes the potential of shelter dogs by transforming them into custom-trained assistance dogs for people in need. Clients include children, veterans and active duty military, and other adults. Since being founded in 1987, Freedom Service Dogs has paired hundreds of client-dog teams at no cost to the client. For more information visit www.freedomservicedogs.org 

Green Beret Foundation is a national organization that provides direct and continuous support to the Green Beret community and its families. The foundation facilitates the transition of Green Berets whether it’s from wounds sustained in combat, illness, injury or numerous deployments and/or retirement. To date, we have provided support for 800 Green Berets and their families. For more information visit www.greenberetfoundation.org 

About VCA Charities 

VCA Charities is a 501(c)(3) with a mission to end medically unnecessary euthanasia. Established in 2005 by the founders of VCA Animal Hospitals, VCA Charities has helped feed thousands of pets, provided free medical treatment, and donated time and money to pet charities globally. Please visit the VCA Charities website and blog to find out the most up-to-date information about VCA Charities and its programs at www.VCAcharities.org.