Dinner and wine pairing event to help provide service dogs for veterans

Veterans of the Ozarks invite the community to join them on Wednesday, September 24, for an evening of fine food and wine elegance at the Elks Lodge, 37 Beach Blvd., Kimberling City. This Wine & Dinner Pairing experience is offered courtesy of the Lindwedel Winery; with Chef Todd Schrade preparing and serving a three-course gourmet meal and Lindwedel Vintner Adam Jett expertly pairing each course with a fine wine selection. 

This elegant evening is being held in support of VOTO efforts to prevent suicide within the veteran community and the community at large. VOTO believes the first step in prevention lies in efforts to eliminate circumstances that place an individual at risk of contemplating suicide in the first place; and particularly close to the hearts of veterans is the placement of Certified Service Dogs with veterans who need the lifesaving services these dogs can provide. 

Although individual circumstances vary, studies have shown that service dogs can significantly benefit veterans with PTSD, leading to 66% lower likelihood of a severe PTSD diagnosis, with improvements in anxiety, depression and overall quality of life. In particular, there are many reports of reduced feelings of isolation. 

Veterans of the Ozarks has teamed up with the Kimberling City Elks Lodge to set a goal of raising funds this year to place a service dog from Heartland Canines for Veterans with a properly vetted veteran in need. Considering the investment each dog requires in care and highly specialized training, that goal comes with a hefty price tag, creating opportunities for the community to get involved in fundraising events such as this enjoyable evening. 

Cocktail hour will begin at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for this amazing evening are $100 per person, or $700 for a table of eight; the cost includes a complimentary cocktail during cocktail hour, gourmet wine/dinner pairing, and a commemorative souvenir wine glass. Live dinner music will be provided by the Flugelhorn Stylings of Chris Conant of Kimberling City. 

All proceeds from this evening of fabulous food, fine wine and fellowship will be donated to Heartland Canines for Veterans. This event is open to the public; for reservations, contact Dave “Mac” McAllister, USN (Ret.) at dkmac86@gmail.com or 417-230-1283. Learn more about Veterans of the Ozarks via their Facebook page. Learn more about Heartland Canines, including ways to determine if a service dog might be beneficial, how to nominate a veteran or apply to receive a dog, or to help provide one, at https://heartlandk9s.org.