Celebrate 50 years of independence at Independence is Golden, Canine Companions’ 50th Anniversary Gala!

Join Thank You for Celebrating With Us!

Saturday, June 21, 2025
Newport Beach Country Club

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating a remarkable milestone 50 years of leading with independence. Our golden anniversary gala was an unforgettable evening filled with joy, impact, and inspiration.

Together, we raised critical funds to support the mission of Canine Companions: providing expertly trained service dogs to children, adults, and veterans with disabilities, entirely free of charge.

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Meet Our Inspiring Guest Speakers

We are honored to welcome two extraordinary individuals to our gala stage, each sharing the powerful impact of their bond with a Canine Companions service dog.

A person in a wheelchair and a black dog gaze at a vast, scenic landscape of mountains and valleys under a blue sky, with low vegetation near a roadside overlook.

Lance Weir

Lance Weir is a C5 quadriplegic, passionate advocate, and longtime volunteer with Canine Companions. A driving force behind our Veterans Initiative, Lance credits his service dogs with transforming his life. He is now partnered with his third dog, Elijah.

A woman in a navy dress, a young boy in a blue shirt, and a man in a navy top sit on a wooden bench outdoors with a yellow Labrador retriever wearing a blue service vest. A colorful mural of trees and leaves serves as the background.

Graeme Felicetti

Graeme Felicetti is a kind, energetic young boy living with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. Since being matched with Service Dog Conrad in 2022, Graeme has found greater calm, confidence, and companionship, proving that sometimes the best support comes on four paws.

Join us to hear their remarkable stories of resilience, growth, and the life-changing power of service dogs.

About Canine Companions

50th anniversary canine companions logo

Since 1975, Canine Companions has been the gold standard in providing expertly trained service dogs, free of charge, to those in need. We provide service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. Join us in celebration of Canine Companions 50th anniversary and help make this mission possible.

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