I Want a Corporate Sponsor for Christmas….

The popular Christmas song, I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas, continues to captivate many of us; we either love or hate the song. As I think about this song, I think about other Christmas songs and a few of my favorite things.

One of my favorite things is corporate sponsors. Corporate sponsors are the cornerstone of support for non-profits in their community by making an investment in their community. When they align with a non-profit, the corporate sponsor gains recognition as a community-oriented business and marketing opportunities through the non-profit. The corporate sponsor can help to build the non-profits brand while benefiting their corporate identity in the community through positive visibility.

What does it take to be a corporate sponsor? Desire to be part of something bigger than the everyday business conducted and motivation to help others. Just ask Talk, a branding and communications agency in Wilmington, N.C., about their endeavor Project Pet Project (http://www.projectpetproject.com/) and you’ll find a mutually beneficial relationship between Talk and Carolina Canines for Service. Motivated by her love of animals, Debbie Elliott, Talk President's Project Pet Project helps pets that are helping people (pictured is Debbie Elliott and Camden, Carolina Canines for Therapy team).

Corporate sponsors come in many forms and an affordable sponsorship is within reach from support for the care of a service dog in training through a monthly contribution, sponsorship of team training for a person receiving their service dog, or sponsoring a service dog through completion of training. Help us continue to help others by standing out in our community as a Corporate Sponsor. For more information contact Carolina Canines at 910-362-8181 or info@carolinacanines.org. -Pat Nowak, Executive Assistant

2008 Wilmington Holiday Parade

Carolina Canines for Service was proud to participate in this years Wilmington Holiday Parade! The event was held on December 7th, 2008 in the evening hours. It was a beautiful site to see all the community gather around to watch the local organizations celebrate the holiday season.

We were lucky to be joined by a few of the marines that work so closely with our service dogs in the Carolina Canines for Veterans program. The guys brought three of the dogs from the brig down to show their support of the wonderful program. This is the first of many years to come that the Carolina Canines for Veterans has been in existence to participate in the parade. Thanks again guys!

Our wonderful trainer and some of our amazing foster puppy parents also came out to show their support. Donna Sweetman with advanced dog Judah and service dog in training Tobias were all set for the parade in their holiday gear. Our programs couldn't exist without these amazing people and all the support that they give.

Also joining CCFS for the chilly evening to celebrate the holidays were a few of our Animal Assisted Therapy Teams. These teams go into local hospitals, nursing homes, and school and work to brighten someones day just a bit. As you can see Joshua is ready to make anyone smile with his antlers!

Thanks again to everyone who participated in this years' event and to everyone else who helps make what we do possible!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Sacrificing Fashion to Benefit Local Charities

Carolina Canines was one of six charities selected by Keller Williams Realty for the second annual Fashion Victims Ball. This event was held December 6th at the Coastline Convention center. The Fashion Victims Ball is a unique twist to a formal affair in which the attendees dress in their most gaudy outfit. The Master of Ceremony for this year’s ball was WWAY’s very own Steve Rondinaro and music was provided by Lenny Frank. Good food, dancing and fun was the main course of the evening and the outfits were outrageously lavish. Carolina Canines would like to thank Keller Williams Realty, all of the sponsors of the 2008 Fashion Victims Ball and the Fashion Victims Ball Committee for a wonderful event.

Luke - Our Newest Service Dog in Training!

We have just added our newest service dog in training to the group!

Meet Luke, an 11 week old black Labradoodle. Luke is all fur and even more ferocity as he trys to keep up with the big boys in the office. When Luke isn't sleeping, eating, and sleeping some more, he is busy following his temporary foster mommy around. He has a healthy appetite and loves relaxing and gnawing on his Nylabone!

We are already working hard on learning to potty on command and sitting like a good boy. Luke hopes to grow up big, strong, and smart like his three big brothers Judah, Izzachar, and Zebulon. He can't wait to get started on becoming a service dog to help a person with a disability.

Wish him luck everyone!

Carolina Canines Christmas Capers

‘Tis the season to be jolly…. Often times we find ourselves having to be in multiple places at one time. It is at these times, we are very appreciative of our volunteers who always step-up to help with the schedule.

If you are looking for some holiday alternatives, check out the Grace United Methodist Church Alternative Gift Market. The gift market runs from Saturday, Dec 6th from 11 am – 2 pm and Sunday, December 7th from 10 am – 3 pm. This is a unique opportunity to give alternative gifts to family members and friends while helping worthy causes through a donation. Carolina Canines is one of the causes benefitting from this Christmas event. Grace United Methodist Church will provide a beautiful acknowledgement card for the person you are giving the gift to. Grace United Methodist Church is located at 401 Grace Street in Wilmington.

Also this weekend, the Fashion Victims Ball, sponsored by Keller Williams Realty, is being held on Saturday evening at the Coastline Convention Center from 7 to 11 pm. Tickets are just $25.00 and proceeds from the event will benefit one of 10 organizations of which Carolina Canines has been selected. Dress in your most gaudy outfit and come on out for some good times, good laughs and learn about the organizations being supported.

On Sunday evening, December 7th, look for Carolina Canines in the Wilmington Holiday Parade. The parade starts at 5:10 pm at North Front and Walnut Streets proceeding past Riverfront Park.

And, also on Sunday evening, December 7th from 6:30 – 9 pm are pet photos with Santa at Independence Mall.