K9s for Warriors Unleashed at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens

K9s FOR WARRIORS UNLEASHED AT THE ANN NORTON SCULPTURE GARDENS ON MARCH 20

“Heroes in the Gardens” for Organization That Pairs Service Dogs with Disabled Military Veterans

(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – Advancing their mission to enrich lives with nature, art and history, the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens is presenting “Heroes in the Gardens,” a special event on Saturday, March 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. to raise funds and awareness for K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury and/or Military Sexual Trauma.

Headquartered in Ponte Vedra, Fla., K9s For Warriors’ program is a three-week, full immersion training providing veterans with Service Dogs, equipment, seminars, legal instruction, veterinary care, housing, meals, and a lifetime of wrap-around services at no cost to the veteran. The majority of the dogs are rescued from shelters around the country and trained at one of two of the organization’s Florida campuses.

“It is staggering and heartbreaking that approximately 20 veterans die each day from suicide,” said Rory Diamond, CEO for K9s For Warriors. “K9s For Warriors exists to eliminate veteran suicide. Not only are these dogs rescuing our veterans, but the veterans in return are rescuing the dogs from abandonment or euthanasia. To date, we have graduated more than 650 Warrior-Service Dog teams and rescued more than 1,200 dogs.”

Research on the nonprofit’s program has found that:

• 85% of graduates report being able to handle anxiety better
• 82% report a decrease in suicidal thoughts
• 73% report improvement in overall health
• 92% reduce or eliminate medication

“Many of our graduates were prisoners in their own homes – too afraid to journey back into the world,” continued Diamond. “We are proud to have a 99 percent success rate in suicide prevention after our graduates return home with their battle buddies.”

The ticketed special event is for all ages and will include a formal program saluting veteran graduates and their canine companions, as well as offer an opportunity to hear first-hand their stories of courage, bravery and valor.

“True to Ann Norton’s vision for her urban oasis, the Gardens provide a safe place for peace and tranquility and we embrace K9s For Warriors’ mission to impact the lives of veterans suffering from PTSD and other disabling conditions,” said Frances Fisher, chairwoman for Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens. “The event for K9s For Warriors is an extension of our continued focus on mental health, veterans, and accessibility in the Gardens. This partnership is a perfect combination of all three. We have profound gratitude to those who have sacrificed their service and lives for our freedom, and we look forward to introducing this lifesaving organization to the South Florida community.”

Added Margaret Horgan, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens Managing Director, “We are honored to support K9s For Warriors and their mission to end veteran suicide and return our country’s ‘Warriors’ to a life of dignity and independence.”

Please note that all K9s For Warriors tickets are sold in advance in accordance with safety compliance following CDC and the City of West Palm Beach guidelines for COVID-19 protocol. The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens will have special admission pricing for the entire day on Saturday, March 20, 2021 which includes: $25.00 for adults, $15.00 for ANSG members and seniors, $8.00 for children. To purchase event tickets, to become a sponsor or for more information on the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, please visit ansg.org or call 561-832-5328.

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Inc. is a non-profit foundation established in 1977 by resident sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982). An urban sanctuary of almost two acres, the compound comprises Norton’s historic house with exhibition galleries, her studio, monumental sculptures and tropical gardens of rare palms and cycads.

Located at 253 Barcelona Road in the historic El Cid neighborhood of West Palm Beach, the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens is open Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Normal admission has been discounted while the Norton House and Artist Studio are under renovations: free for members and children under five, $12 for non-member adults, $8 for seniors (age 65 and older) and $5 for students and children five years of age and older. Special event pricing will vary. Garden Tours and Talks are available at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays. The Gardens are also available for private events and are closed on major holidays. 

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About K9s For Warriors

Based in Florida, K9s For Warriors’ mission is to end veteran suicide. The organization serves as the largest provider of Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. The unique program is backed by groundbreaking scientific research (in partnership with Purdue University’s OHAIRE Lab) which offers concrete data that Service Dogs can help mitigate veteran’s symptoms of PTSD. The majority of Service Dogs come from high-kill shelters, meaning with most Warrior/canine pairings, two lives are saved.

Find more information at www.k9sforwarriors.org | Facebook | Twitter