United States, California, Camarillo – 10-14-2019 (PRDistribution.com) — 
Golf Event For Veteran Org. Will Surprise & Inspire
Famous dog’s post-surgery appearance, rescued veterans, surprise presentation planned
A golf tournament this Columbus Day, October the 14th, benefiting Gold Coast Veterans Foundation, an organization rescuing homeless military veterans, will tug at heartstrings while surprising a hero. Leo, the service dog that builds rapport and trust with the most reclusive homeless veterans, will be making his first post-surgery public appearance.
The giant dog, described as “the secret weapon in the battle against veteran homelessness”, had a pre-surgery fundraiser a month ago that was attended by a who’s who in the homeless services world. A surprise last-minute donation covered the surgery itself, bringing Leo’s partner Rafael Stoneman (GCVF’s outreach director, and a once-homeless veteran himself) to tears. Ventura County’s homeless services leadership, business leaders, and other dignitaries will be on hand again Monday to celebrate Leo’s getting back to business rescuing veterans.
Stoneman and his service dog Leo have rescued 15 homeless military veterans this year, will recount the inspirational stories of some of the veterans they’ve brought back from heart-wrenching circumstances. “The Mobile Veteran Outreach program saved several lives even during the small-scale initial test; the stories you’ll hear at the tournament will inspire and warm your heart.” says GCVF Chairman Dennis Murphy. “Now that we’re launching into full operation; we anticipate bringing hundreds of homeless veterans back into the world over the next few years.”
Monday’s tournament at the Las Posas Country Club will feature yet another surprise for the Mobile Veteran Outreach team. A lot of veterans live in tents or improvised shelters in the river wash or other areas not accessible by road. Stoneman’s clapped-out old minivan simply can’t get to where many of these veterans are. California Resources Corporation, a leading local energy company, will be making a surprise presentation of a 4 Wheel Drive truck, that can take Stoneman and Leo just about anywhere homeless veterans are living. Combined with GCVF’s numerous veteran service programs, this added capability will create a comprehensive, integrated care model for the most difficult to serve of all homeless populations.
About Gold Coast Veterans Foundation – Gold Coast Veterans Foundation, a nonprofit uniquely focused on disrupting the root causes of veteran homelessness in Ventura County, California, offers comprehensive services for low-income, at-risk, homeless and disabled veterans.
For more information, visit http://www.gcvf.org. (805) 482-6550
Gold Coast Veterans Foundation
Bob Harris
Bob.Harris@gcvf.org
805-482-6550
Media Contacts:
Company Name: Gold Coast Veterans Foundation
Full Name: Bob Harris
Phone: 818 809 9609
Email Address: Send Email
Website: GCVF.org
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