One of the major sources of revenue for Soldier’s Best Friend, the annual sporting clay event, will be held at Ben Avery Clay Target Center in Phoenix on Saturday, May 20, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Soldier’s Best Friend is an Arizona-based nonprofit that provides U.S. military veterans living with combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injury with service or therapeutic companion dogs, most of which are rescued from Arizona shelters. The veteran and dog train together to build a trusting relationship that saves two lives at once and inspires countless others.
The services are free to the veterans, but cost the organization about $7,500 per veteran/dog team for the nearly year-long training program.
Strong support for this event in the past has provided direct funding of equipment and training for veteran/dog teams. The annual sporting clay event will help the organization continue to provide this life-changing service for veterans and their canine partners, while also helping to increase the nonprofit's visibility and encourage veterans to stay engaged in their community.
The Chauncy Foundation is the title sponsor of the event. Circle K is the supporting sponsor and will provide both breakfast and lunch. Sponsorships for individual SBF graduates are available for $150 each. Members of the public can also sign up to participate in the sporting clay event for $150 per person or $550 for a four-person shooting squad. Each participant receives 50 clay pigeons, 50 shotgun shells, a t-Shirt and lunch.
For more information, please visit www.soldiersbestfriend.org or call 623-218-6486.
Since its inception in 2011, Soldier’s Best Friend has graduated 362 veteran/dog teams.