For 20 years Canine Companions’ mission has been celebrated through one spectacular event – The Tales & Tails Gala. The first event was held in 1996 in a tent at SeaWorld and about 80 people attended. It has grown abundantly through the generous support of our family and friends and each year we have celebrated our work and accomplishments with inspiring speakers and first-class entertainment such as Jack Hanna, Julie Scardina, Blue Sky Riders and Bruce Hornsby.
The Tales & Tails Gala has been held at the luxurious Rosen Shingle Creek since 2009. It attracts more than 600 guests and is considered one of the premier charity events of the year.
This milestone event will be a reunion for the dedicated individuals and philanthropic organizations that have contributed to its success. We also look forward to welcoming new friends and partners to join us this year in support of our life-changing mission.
Nancy Baumann has been one of our most dedicated advocates and truly exemplifies what is at the heart and soul of our organization.
As the founding chairperson of the Tales & Tails Gala, she has been pivotal in its growth — making the event our most successful fundraiser — raising over $5 million since its inception.
Nancy has been a puppy raiser, fundraiser, past president and member of the board of directors and we are proud to honor her for her contributions.
Betsie Hughes has cerebral palsy and graduated with Service Dog Hansen III in August 2015. Betsie attends St. Petersburg College working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. Betsie has a strong support system in both of her parents James, who is a veterinarian and her mom Marie who attended Team Training with her. She applied because she wanted to live more independently and gain a greater sense of independence.
Stefan LeRoy is a U.S. Army veteran who was deployed to Afghanistan in 2012. Just five months into his deployment he stepped on an IED while carrying a severely injured platoon member to a medevac helicopter. The injury caused him to lose both his legs below the knee. He received treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and was medically retired in 2015.
Stefan received Service Dog Knoxville from Canine Companions for Independence in February 2016. Knoxville is a 2-year-old yellow Labrador/Golden Retriever cross, who responds to more than 40 commands. Knoxville assists Stefan, who is a bi-lateral leg amputee, by retrieving dropped items, opening and closing doors, and other tasks that will enable him to lead a more independent life.
Stefan uses prosthetics and is very active in adaptive sporting events and has hand-cycled numerous marathons and completed several 5Ks on his running blades. He plans to compete in the Invictus Games and in the Boston Marathon.
Jason Morgan was serving with the U.S. Army Special Forces when, conducting an operation in South America, he was critically injured. Recovering from the accident he faced life as a paraplegic. Then he met Rue; disciplined, loyal, highly trained and super energetic, she never leaves his side.
Barboza works by Mary Ashlyn’s side at the Shepherd Center’s outpatient brain injury program. He knows 40 commands that allow him to work with and motivate patients during physical, occupational, speech and recreational therapies. Barboza also provides unconditional love and support to patients who are going through a very difficult time in their lives.
Savannah is a cheerleader, plays basketball, studies music and dance and is a pageant winner. Despite all of these accomplishments, she couldn’t pick up a dropped pencil when doing her homework. That’s not a problem now thanks to Zambique. “Zambique is her best friend. He knows what Savannah is feeling and he loves her,” said Renee, Savannah’s mom.
With support from businesses and individuals the Tales & Tails Gala generates money for Canine Companions that will further support our mission of providing highly trained assistance dogs for adults and children with disabilities. Help Canine Companions for Independence celebrate another year of transforming the lives of adults, children and veterans with disabilities, by making a donation to our silent and live auctions. Our assistance dogs not only help their human partners with tasks such as picking up dropped items and opening doors, but provide the constant companionship and love only a dog can. Canine Companions for Independence is supported entirely by donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and special events.
Cocktail Infused Party for Six
Derek Jeter Autographed Baseball
Enzian Theatre Evening for Two
"I Love Dogs" Gift Basket
California Dreaming Trip
Travel / Tips
Jewelry
One-Of-A-Kind Experiences
Sports Memorabilia
Artwork
Make a difference in the lives of adults, children and veterans with disabilities
The opportunity to showcase and market your company to an elite audience of more than 500 people
Name recognition and a listing in the evening’s printed auction guide and in the electronic bidding system
A tax deduction for the value of your contribution
One hundred percent of the funds raised from the silent and live auctions go directly to our services, which are provided free of charge
We hope you join us this year for a heartwarming evening of music and storytelling to celebrate the unique connection between canines and their companions. Enjoy these pictures from last year's event.
All proceeds support Canine Companions for Independence. Sponsors, like you, have generously funded this vital program since 1996. All donations are tax deductible.Contact Jeanne Cooley at 407-522-3349 or send an email to jcooley@cci.org
To celebrate our 20th anniversary milestone, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond and Presenting sponsors will receive permanent recognition on our campus Tribute Wall. To receive this special honor, a sponsor commitment must be made by June 30 and payment received by September 30.
Enjoy the benefits of VIP status when you become an event sponsor. Get exclusive access to the VIP Lounge featuring an open bar with beer, wine and premium spirits. Be recognized in event promotions that reach an affluent audience.
