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You can still participate in the auction!CELEBRATE OUR 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY AS A NON-PROFIT WITH US! ENJOY A SPECIAL EVENING OF WINE, DINNER, DANCING AND BIDDING!
Come Raise a Glass, Raise a Paddle, and Raise Funds for Lifesaving Service Dog Teams!
COVID-19 GUIDELINES UPDATE: The safety of our supporters, clients, and staff are our top priority. With this in mind, OFP has decided that attendees will need to present one of the following at the wine gala along with a photo ID or valid driver's license.
CDC Vaccination Card (photos will be accepted)
Proof of Negative COVID-19 (molecular, PCR or antigen) within 72 hours from the time of attending the event. Click on "COVID Guidelines" for more details.
Covid GuidelinesEVENT DETAILSHOW TO BIDFrequently Asked Questions
A DECADE OF BUILDING HUMAN-CANINE BONDS AS A NON-PROFIT
In 2010, a Marine veteran with severe PTSD reached out to our founder and Amy veteran, Mary Cortani, for help. He had been on a program list for three years waiting to be matched with a service dog. When she answered that call, Mary knew she had found her calling and Operation Freedom Paws (OFP) was born.
On September 21, 2011, OFP became a 501 (c)(3) non-profit and this year marks the 10 year anniversary. As we get ready to enter a second decade of non-profit work, we remain committed to empowering veterans, first responders, children, and other individuals with disabilities to restore their freedom to live life, by teaching them to train a rescued dog for their specific disabilities, and creating lifesaving service dog teams.
Over the past 10 years, our 48-week training program has evolved to include a team of mentor-trainers, mental health therapists, a partnership with medical trauma experts at The Stella Center, and other support services at no cost to our clients. We have welcomed 463 clients and their family members into the program, and rescued 386 dogs to be the healers by their sides (some clients enter the program with their own dogs who qualify).
Our work would not be possible without the trust, support, and power of community. On behalf of our clients who tell us the program has enabled them to profoundly change their lives, we say THANK YOU!
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TOGETHER, we can help save TWO lives, ONE team at a time.
OFP has earned the 2021 GuideStar Seal of Transparency, their highest rating. All donations are SOC 2 Compliant and assure the highest level of security, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of customer data.
No act of generosity is too small to make a difference.
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
We want to thank our clients who share their healing journeys to inspire others to seek help. Your giving makes a profound impact on their lives, and at times, a lifesaving one. Many of our clients have deeply sacrificed in service to their country and communities. You empower us to give them the resources they need to reengage in their lives, careers, and communities with their service dogs by their sides.
"There Is Light" HEAL! A project by Vicki Topaz
"Out Of The Dark" HEAL! A project by Vicki Topaz
Want to Be an OFP Champion?
A Fundraising Champion is an Operation Freedom Paws supporter who rallies around the Operation Freedom Paws Mission to fundraise on our behalf. Every Operation Freedom Paws Champion creates their own fundraising page as a spin-off to amplify the Operation Freedom Paws fundraising event. Each Champion will share that page with their network to expand the reach of your cause and bring in new donors. We can't thank our Operation Freedom Paws Champions enough for their valued support!
K9 Champion Fundraising Teams!
Ed and K9 Duke have thrown down the challenge to see which K9 team can raise the most for our mission. Support your favorite K9 Team here!
Ed & K9 DukeChris & K9 KleioJohn & K9 Tabitha
OUR HOSTS: JONA DENZ-HAMILTON AND MARK TURNER
Mark and Jona make a dynamic duo, where their wit, professionalism, and heart are well matched. They are engaging and entertaining hosts who connect with our mission and an audience. These amazing supporters have donated their time and professional skills at many events. Mark and Jona continue to raise the bar to raise more funds for OFP.
Jona Denz-Hamilton is an iconic radio personality with a vast knowledge of music. She has been bringing The Bay Area classic rock hits since 1996 on 94.5 Bay FM (KBAY). Her warm and friendly personality makes everyone feel like they're hanging out with a close friend.
Mark Turner is the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce President and a professional auctioneer. Mark combines his business and people skills to create a fun and lively auction environment where everyone enjoys some spirited paddle raising and competition to benefit our service dog teams.
OUR MUSICAL ARTISTS
We want to thank these talented and big-hearted musicians for donating their time and talents to our fundraising event.
Opening Act: WheelHouse
Wheelhouse is a highly engaging 5-piece San Jose based rock 'n roll band that plays well known classic rock songs from the 60's, 70's, and 80's - as well as soul, blues, and several originals.
It is composed of Dennis Coulter on drums and lead vocals; Brad Switzer on guitar, harmonica, and lead vocals; Dave Maskell on guitar and vocals; Ken Feuerman on keyboards, saxophone, and vocals; and Hans Muller on bass guitar and vocals - all of whom are serious journeymen with decades of playing and performing experience. With strong instrumentals and vocal prowess, Wheelhouse is able to tackle music from bands such as: Steely Dan, Elton John, The Eagles, Billy Joel, The Beatles and The Doobie Brothers.
Headliners: OFP ALLSTARS featuring the San Jose Sharks Mikey Day
The OFP AllSTARS banded together four years ago and the chemistry was magic. These guys love to play music and love to give back, and they rock both! Their charity band is dedicated to doing benefits for non-profit organizations they feel passionate about supporting. As you probably figured out, OFP inspired their name and we are honored. The band is composed of Randy Thilmany on drums, Mark Hall and Tom Drake on guitar and vocals, Mike Palos on keyboards, Ken Vershegan on trumpet and the San Jose Sharks own Mikey Day on vocals and keyboards.
The band has performed at previous wine galas, and in October of 2020, took to the stage for our first virtual concert to help raise critical funds when they were needed most. These guys can play everything from rock and roll and oldies to country and funk. The OFP ALLSTARS have a great time on stage and their performances are energetic, fun, and moving. If you watched our virtual concert in October 2020, you'll remember their beautiful rendition of "God Bless America." We are thrilled to welcome these amazing supporters back!
A BIG THANK YOU TO OLD CITY HALL RESTAURANT
We would like to acknowledge Bobby, A Marine veteran and his wife Fran, the owners of Old City Hall Restaurant for providing us with all the delicious food for our 10th Annual "Paws with Patriots Wine Gala". Your ongoing support of our clients and fundraising events is amazing!
Old City Hall is Gilroy's Premiere Restaurant in Historic Downtown Gilroy, California. You can check out their website here: Old City Hall Restaurant.
A BIG THANK YOU TO THE MORGAN HILL GRANGE AND THEIR EVENT COORDINATOR, HEIDI GOLDEN
Heidi has generously donated her time and professional services to bring décor and table arrangements to the event.
Thank you Lori Fox and Flashy Greetings for the wine bottle charms with messages that capture the spirit of the event. Just Slip It & Gift Your Favorite Bottle of Wine!
Thank you to Michi's Floral Company for the beautiful flower arrangements provided for the tables.
Thank you to Ray Barcomb for helping design our 10th Anniversary T-Shirts!
Thank You To Our In-Kind Donors!
We want to extend a special thank you to our in-kind donors who have graciously donated their products or services. Your donations have allowed us to raise more funds for our mission.
Thank you to Gordon Biersch Brewing Company for donating all the premium beer and cider.
Thank you to VCS Incorporated for the donation of the video monitors for the event!
Thank you to our local wineries for donating gifts or bringing the amazing wines to our wine gala!
Martin Ranch Winery - Morgan Hill Cellars - Solis Winery - Fortino Winery
J Winston Winery - Sarah's Vineyard - Church Creek Cellars - Guglielmo Winery
P & V Winery - Kirigin Cellars - Lion Ranch Vineyards and Winery
SHOUT OUT TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS
Sponsor - RAVENOX
Ravenox has its roots in service. Master Gunnery Sergeant and OFP Ambassador, Sean Brownlee, founded the company in 2012 and strives to provide jobs to veterans. His experience in the U.S. Marine Corps with rope has allowed him to grow a company built on a foundation of strong ideals that give back to his country-- providing American-made cordage products that he grew to know well during his service.
Sponsor - BROOKS
From life sciences to manufacturing, Brooks Automation pushes innovation forward. Harnessing breakthrough approaches and technologies, Brooks applies our unmatched experience and expertise to continually transform our target industries, making the world a greener, healthier, and more connected place.
Sponsor - Gilroy Life
Sponsor - Morgan Hill Life
Life Media Group is a proud sponsor of Operation Freedom Paws and its service to local veterans and their canine pals. We publish Morgan Hill Life and Gilroy Life newspapers and we have long encouraged the residents of the South Valley region to support this wonderful nonprofit organization in their endeavors to bring relief to those who have protected our freedoms by serving in the armed forces.
