Join us on May 10, 2025 for “Independence is Golden”, our 50th Anniversary Celebration!

A black dog wearing a service vest runs towards the viewer, with images of people and service dogs in the background. Text reads "50 Canine Companions" and "Independence is Golden."

Independence is Golden

Saturday, May 10th, 2025
The Northeast Region Miller Family Campus
286 Middle Island Road, Medford, NY  11763
 
We are always incredibly grateful for your support! There will be great food, wine from our partner St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, plus live and silent auctions. Watch canine artist Picasso paint a masterpiece and then have a chance to bring it home!  And of course, you’ll meet life-changing Canine Companions service dogs and their partners. Reserve your tickets today! 
 
To purchase tickets, visit: canine.org/goldennortheast

Please contact Alexis Gregos at 631-561-0207 for details on available sponsorship opportunities.  

We invite you to join us for Independence is Golden, a special gala celebrating Canine Companions’ 50th anniversary! The event will take place at the Northeast Region Miller Family Campus in Medford, New York.  Begin the weekend with our Graduation Ceremony on Friday, May 9th, and stay for the gala on Saturday afternoon– a perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend. Together, let’s honor 50 years of providing life-changing service dogs.
 

Honoring Jim Nazzaro!

 
A man kneels beside a black Labrador retriever on the tracks of a construction vehicle, with the dog wearing a yellow vest labeled "Canine Companions." The man is smiling and wearing a grey polo shirt.Jim Nazzaro is the owner of the Construction and Real Estate Development company, J. Nazzaro Partnership, LP, in Bay Shore, New York. A Canine Companions volunteer puppy raiser, Jim learned about a major bottleneck at the Northeast Region Training Center – the need for additional dorm rooms for our clients. “I hesitated for maybe 30 seconds,”Jim says. “We’ll just build them! This is something I can do to make this dream come true and double the number of service dogs that can go to clients.” Jim’s dream is coming true in 2025 as we break ground on our new dorm and kennel wings.
 

Join us as we honor Jim for this lasting gift taking us into the next 50 years!