- September 7, 2024
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Pop Smoke K9 for Veterans, a nonprofit based in Ormond Beach, will host its first charity gala, "Battlefield to Bowties," on Saturday, June 8.
To be held from 6-10 p.m. at the Anderson Price Memorial Building at 42 N. Beach St., the fundraiser will honor veterans, particularly those who served in battle, for their transitional journey from military service to civilian life, a press release stated. The organization — which provides K9s for local veterans with traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder and other neurologic disabilities — relies on donations and fundraising events to feed, foster, house and train service dogs. Founder Elisha Perkins, a decorated retired Army lieutenant and former law enforcement officer, is lead trainer for the K9s.
The fundraiser will include dinner, dancing, inspiring stories and a silent auction, according to the press release.
The late Ed Manen, a highly decorated helicopter door gunner and co-pilot in Vietnam who was exposed to Agent Orange, recently died due to Parkinson’s Disease. He was a recipient of Molly, a trained Pop Smoke border collie.
“Molly was always at Ed’s side,” his widow Trudy said in the press release. “She would alert me to any change in Ed’s demeaner or movement. He relied on her, and he loved her."
For additional information, ticket sales, contribution of auction gifts or donations, contact Trudy Manen at 973-865-2722 or [email protected].
