Maine Wedding & Event Venue Hosts the 4th Annual Mission Working Dogs Gala
At Granite Ridge Estate & Barn, a Maine wedding and event venue, we believe in the power of community, and we are honored to once again host the 4th Annual Mission Working Dogs Gala on Saturday, April 26, from 5 PM to 10 PM. This event is not just an evening of celebration, but a vital fundraiser that supports the training and placement of service and therapy dogs for individuals in need.
About Mission Working Dogs
Mission Working Dogs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities through the placement of highly trained service and therapy dogs. These incredible canines assist with mobility impairments, PTSD support, and even therapy for individuals recovering from strokes. Mission Working Dogs ensures that every dog is trained to provide independence, comfort, and a better quality of life for their handlers.
Founder Christy Gardner and her team carefully train each dog for up to two years, evaluating their temperament and skills to determine whether they will serve as service dogs, therapy dogs, or companion animals. The organization also runs a prison training program and provides housing for disabled individuals to stay in Oxford, Maine, while learning to work with their service dogs. Through these efforts, Mission Working Dogs changes lives, bringing companionship and assistance to those who need it most.
A Special Connection with Granite Ridge Estate & Barn
The partnership between Mission Working Dogs and Granite Ridge Estate & Barn began four years ago when Micki Fratianne, a representative of the Maine wedding and event venue, met Christy Gardner while training her own puppy. Their friendship and shared commitment to animal training and support services led to the first gala in 2022. Since then, the event has grown significantly, becoming the organization’s largest fundraising effort of the year.
“We were all a little anxious about the success of the first Gala, but our fears were unfounded,” Micki recalls. “Tickets sold out before we even launched the marketing campaign. Just a mention on Christy’s Facebook page was enough to fill the room.”
As the event has grown, so has the support. Unum, a founding partner, continues to be a major sponsor, alongside Granite Ridge Estate & Barn. Due to high demand, the number of guests has increased, and the auction portion of the evening has been moved outside under a tent to accommodate more attendees.
A Night to Remember
This year’s Gala promises to be another unforgettable evening. Guests will enjoy a plated dinner, a cash bar, a silent auction, and, of course, the opportunity to meet some of Mission Working Dogs’ incredible graduates. One of the most touching moments of the evening is the graduation ceremony for the service dogs who have completed their training in the past year. These well-trained companions will officially embark on their journey of service, demonstrating firsthand the impact of the organization’s work.
How to Attend
The 4th Annual Mission Working Dogs Gala will be held at Granite Ridge Estate & Barn on Saturday, April 26, from 5 PM to 10 PM. Tickets are $125 per person or $800 for a table of eight. VIP parking is available for $40 with advance purchase, while all other guests will be shuttled from a nearby parking lot.
If you’d like to attend, you can purchase tickets by commenting on Mission Working Dogs’ social media post, emailing info@missionworkingdogs.org, or calling/texting 207-240-2324.
We are proud to support Mission Working Dogs and the incredible work they do. We look forward to welcoming you to this special event at Granite Ridge Estate & Barn!
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