A local woman has put her passion to raise funds to purchase a new K9 dog for local law enforcement and support the Marion Area Humane Society. This year, Jill Chitwood and the Marion K9 Project volunteers have a new goal in mind: to raise funds to buy a service dog for a local veteran in need.
Supporting Veterans Through Service Dogs
“Any veteran can apply for a service K-9. The training costs between $7,000 and $24,000 depending on the need and type of training -psychological, medical or service dog,” Chitwood said. “A veteran with PTSD [Post-traumatic Stress Disorder] may get a dog from the Humane Society to train. If a veteran has mobility issues, that may require a specific breed to train for their individual needs.”
The dog will be trained at the Central Ohio Canine Foundation in Mt. Gilead. Other members of the nonprofit K9 project welcomed the chance to help fill this need.
“When Jill came up with this year’s fundraising idea for the K9 project, I got really excited,” said Lt. Mark Elliott with Marion Police Department. “This is a great way for us to show our appreciation to a group that has dedicated their lives to our country, our community and even our Marion County K9 units. This is a small way for us to say ‘Thank you!’”
A “Night in Vegas” Fundraiser Brings the Rat Pack to Waldo
In addition to the annual K9 car show and cornhole tournament in May, they are bringing an opportunity to go back in time with the Rat Pack. A tribute group will perform skits and songs called “A Night in Vegas” on Friday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 pm at Twenty Three North in Waldo.
Jim Stoner, an account executive at iHeart Radio in Marion, will embody Frank Sinatra. His wife, Amy K. Stoner, a writer, producer and actress, will perform as Doris Day. Timothy S. Boysel will take to the stage as Dean Martin.
Keeping the Spirit of the ’50s and ’60s Alive
“We’re like a time capsule to Dean and Frank and friends in the ‘60s. That’s what we aspire to do,” Jim Stoner said.
Jim has been doing his best Sinatra for years at various events. Jim is excited to perform again with his friend Tim.
“He has been my best friend since we were 4. This is a dream come true to perform with him. I so appreciate Jill’s trust and the K9 project to help them celebrate and raise some money for the K9 project. I’m honored to do so because my family is rife with veterans and active service members,” Stoner said.
Veterans will receive a discount and recognition to the show.
“It will be an unforgettable, fun night!” Chitwood said. “We value our sponsors: top sponsors: Presidential Post-Acute, the American Legion Post 162, Eric’s Auto Glass & Windshield Repair, Osborne Accounting Services and the Folks Creative Printing.”
Jim would like to thank Mad Cap Living History in Mt. Vernon Ohio and the Woodward Opera House in Mt. Vernon. Mad Cap Living History brings a famous person to life for educational purposes every third Thursday of the month using actors from across Ohio.
K9 Project Offers Continuing Support for the Community
Veterans will also be recognized at the annual cornhole tournament and car show coming up May 9 at the Academy of Arts and Technology (formerly Marion Preparatory Academy) at 1001 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Since 2022, the K9 project has raised more than $70,000 for local K9 officers, the K9 memorial, the Marion Area Humane Society and the Marion County Dog Pound.
For more info on the K9 Project:
For more info, or to purchase tickets, go to www.marionk9project.com.
Follow the Marion K9 Project on Facebook.
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