&#8220Pets for Vets” dog walk-a-thon fund raiser

Queens residents will gather at Kissena Park on Saturday, October 14, to raise money to provide a war veteran with a new, specially trained companion.
One of the requirements of Michele Fitzsimmons' self-expression and leadership class through Landmark Education was that she do a project. Even before the assignment, she had this one in mind. She decided to combine her love of dogs with giving back to veterans, since she has two friends who are currently serving in Iraq.
Fitzsimmons eventually found out about NEADS (Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans) and their Canines for Combat Veterans program. Through this program, dogs are specially trained to meet the needs of disabled veterans.
On Saturday, October 14, the &#8220Pets for Vets” dog walk-a-thon will take place at Kissena Park to raise funds for the program.
&#8220We thought it was really exciting because there's a great need for the work of partnering people with assistance dogs and there's still a lot of awareness that needs to be made,” said Joyce Schmitt, the Director of Development of NEADS.
Fitzsimmons, who is also a member of the Kissena Park Civic Association, said the association immediately jumped on board to assist.
&#8220We just thought it was a great idea,” said Beverly McDermott, President of the Kissena Park Civic Association and Director of Friends of Kissena Park. &#8220We are hoping that a lot of people will participate.”
Fitzsimmons said that she has already gotten a very positive response from the community. Her goal for the event is to raise $200,000, which covers the cost of one dog.
&#8220People love the idea. People are really excited about it,” said Fitzsimmons, who also works as a firefighter in Corona. &#8220However it works out from here will be great.”
Kissena Park is located in Flushing. Sign-in for the walk starts at 9 a.m. with the actual walk beginning at 10 a.m.
For more information on the &#8220Pets for Vets” dog walk-a-thon, visit www.petsforveterans.org or contact Fitzsimmons at 917-748-9344.
For more information about NEADS, visit www.neads.org.