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FETCHING FASHIONS ON DISPLAY
LAKEWOOD RANCH --- The white linen was out, the stage was set and the live music was heard throughout Lakewood Main Street on Thursday night. The "Guide to Fashion," a show featuring 10 blind models with their guide dogs, was presented by the Lakewood Ranch Main Street Merchants.
The idea arose when Pat Cowan, the executive director of Southeastern Guide Dogs, was shopping and caught the attention of Judi DeWalt, who owns a woman's clothing store on Main Street called Natural Discoveries.
About five weeks later, the event, designed to raise awareness and money for Southeastern Guide Dogs, graced Lakewood Main Street.
"I just think it's awesome that people can do something nobody thinks is possible," said DeWalt.
DeWalt wasn't the only one inspired by Cowan. The seven auction packages included merchandise from businesses on Lakewood Main Street, including clothing items, spa retreats and children's toys and accessories.
The exposure is much needed for the guide dog school, the only accredited one in Florida.
"We were overjoyed," said Cowan, with her guide dog, Pixie, by her side. "I told Judi (DeWalt) I wanted to get into the Lakewood Ranch community because it has so many great families and kids. And it's a wonderful way to show to the area how confident we are."
Based on a 23-acre campus in Palmetto, Southeastern Guide Dogs is a non-profit organization that provides trained guide dogs to the blind and visually impared at no coast to the owenr. It relies solely on private contributions. No local, state or federal government funds are received.
Almost 1,000 volunteers donate time to the school and assist by raising puppies, hosting breeder dogs or by serving on the school's all-volunteer board of directors.
Southeastern graduates about 100 guide dog teams annually and maintains follow-up contact nationwide.
The average cost to fully train a guide dog team is $40,000, which includes the cost of breeding, raising puppies and special training for the dog with the owner. A lifetime commitment is provided to all blind graduates.
On Dec. 16 at the Palmetto campus, Southeastern Guide Dogs will have an open house, which includes guide dog demonstrations and tours of the facilities and kennels.
Posted Nov. 03, 2006
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John Simpson
Herald Staff Writer
Herald Tribune
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