September 11 marks a day of remembrance the tragic loss of citizens and safety forces that America suffered in the 2001 terrorist attacks. With that in mind, Paula Kovinchick chose that day to hold a fundraiser for Pets for Patriots, a non-profit group which fits veterans in need of a constant companion with at-risk shelter pets.
Kovinchick, a member of the S.T.A.R.S. (Standing Together – Affiliates & Realtors Strong) committee of the Mansfield Association of Realtors, hosted the fundraiser Thursday at the Ontario AMVETS Post 31. Co-chairman Patrick Higgins served up hot dogs from the grill as well as ice cold water and chips, all donations from area businesses and people.
“It’s one of the only fundraisers for veterans that 100 percent of the money is given to the veteran,” said Higgins. “It’s one of the only organizations that are completely non-profit.”
Higgins, who owns My Floors, said his partner organization Flooring America, sponsors multiple Pets for Patriots events. After rigorous paperwork, Higgins, qualified the S.T.A.R.S. committee to host the fundraiser.
“So at the store level, we already give to Pets for Patriots every year and I thought why not bring it into Richland county as a charity event here,” he said.
The S.T.A.R.S. sub-committee is always looking for different charities to support, Kovinchick added.
According to www.petsforpatriots.org, the organization exists to help save the lives of a pet and a vet. “Eighteen veterans take their lives every day,” the website states. “Every eight seconds, a dog or cat is put to death. Pet adoption saves two lives.”
Veterans, from all branches of the armed forces, returning home from deployment, active personnel or those in retirement are eligible to be a part of the program. Adult, large breed and special needs shelter dogs and cats are used in the program.
Those who came out to support the fundraiser were asked to donate at least $5 for the food and/ or donate animal items such as food, chew toys, leaches, etc. that were donated to the Richland County Humane Society.
Higgins said he hoped to bring the community together in some fashion through this fundraiser. “It has the ability to bring everyone together for one specific goal.”
“And we want to help to take care of our vets,” added Kovinchick. “Which we don’t do enough of.”
Todd Schnittke, the commander of the Ontario AMVETS Post 31, was thrilled to host the fundraiser in the pavilion in the back of their building off of Park Avenue West.
“Usually we charge a fee to rent out our pavilion but for this program I was open to waive the fee for them,” he said.
Schnittke, a veteran of the United States Army, said the Pets for Patriots program is a great thing for vets suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“It’s something to embrace and it’s something for them to help them with the problems associated with PTSD,” he said.
Schnittke also said he was honored to host the fundraiser on September 11 for the highly reputable program.
“I would just ask that the people of Richland county and everywhere remember the soldiers that still serve and the ones that served then, to stop the war on terror,” he said. “And remember those who were fallen that day.”
Veterans or service members of the United States Military can go to www.petsforpatriots.org and click on the Patriots link and fill out the application. They can also call 877-473-8223 to complete the application by phone.
“I would just ask that the people of Richland county and everywhere remember the soldiers that still serve and the ones that served then, to stop the war on terror,” Schnittke said. “And remember those who were fallen that day.”
