Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens to Host K9s For Warriors Event

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens in West Palm Beach will present “Heroes in the Gardens,” 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 disorder, traumatic brain injuries, and/or sexual trauma. 

Based in Ponte Vedra, K9s For Warriors’ immersive three-week training program provides veterans with service dogs, equipment, seminars, legal instruction, veterinary care, housing, meals, and a lifetime of services at no cost to the veteran. Most of the dogs are rescued from shelters in the United States 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.”

The March 20 event will welcome guests of all ages and will include a formal program to salute veteran graduates and their canine companions, as well as offer an opportunity to hear first-hand their stories of courage.

“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.

K9s For Warriors tickets will be sold in advance per 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: $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.