(March 27, 2024, Calistoga, CA.)— Frank Family Vineyards founders Rich and Leslie Frank are pleased to announce the Napa-based winery has raised $55,000 since November 2022 in support of K9s For Warriors as part of the winery’s “Frank for a Cause” charitable giving campaign. K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of trained Service Dogs for military veterans with invisible wounds of war. Through nationwide sales of Frank Family Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Carneros Chardonnay, and Frank Family branded dog toys, the winery proudly sponsored their own four legged-hero, Frankie, providing him with the veterinary care, equipment, and training necessary to become a life-saving Service Dog for a veteran with PTSD. On March 21, after eight months of training, Frankie was matched with retired Army Staff Sergeant, Ryan, the program’s 1000th veteran.
“We are honored to be a part of this significant milestone in ending veteran suicide,” said Leslie Frank. “This achievement by K9s For Warriors highlights the incredible impact Service Dogs have on the lives of our nation’s heroes, like Ryan, and their families.”
Receiving a trained Service Dog at no cost was one of the major reasons Ryan decided to apply to K9s to help him navigate his PTSD. “One of the questions I’ve been asked most recently is ‘how I think Frankie is going to change my life,’ and the answer is he’s already changed my life,” shared Ryan. “I already feel different, feel lighter, and I already feel like he was meant for me before he was born.”
This cause speaks to Frank Family Vineyards’ deep-seated love for dogs and commitment to the American veteran community, and honors Founder Rich Frank’s late father, Hy, who proudly served in World War II. Through this partnership, Frank Family engaged its extensive network of retail and restaurant partners nationwide. Pop-up “yappy hour” events across the U.S. facilitated awareness featuring dog bandana giveaways, photo ops, and tastings of Frank Family’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Carneros Chardonnay.
“This month marks an extraordinary milestone for K9s For Warriors as we celebrate the graduation of our 1,000th Warrior paired with a life-saving Service Dog – that’s 1,000 Warrior lives saved,” says K9s For Warriors Chief Program Officer Kevin Steele. “This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of every team member past and present at K9s, our incredible supporters and donors like Frank Family Vineyards who have allowed us to keep this program at no cost to the Veteran, and the profound lasting impact of our mission set forth by our founder, the late Shari Duval. Together, as we celebrate transforming the lives of 1,000 Veterans and their Service Dogs, we look to the next 1,000, ready to give them their new “leash” on life.”
In 2018, Frank Family Vineyards launched “Frank for a Cause,” an annual fundraiser that has raised funds to support local and national charities covering a variety of causes, from health research to hunger relief and animal welfare. To date, Frank for a Cause has supported seven national nonprofits and numerous local organizations, from Napa Valley and beyond.
About Frank Family Vineyards
Frank Family Vineyards has been a part of Napa Valley’s landscape for three decades. Founded by former Disney Studios President Rich Frank, along with his wife, Leslie, an Emmy Award-winning former broadcast news journalist, the winery is dedicated to crafting exceptional wines with balance and memorable guest experiences. Consistently recognized as having one of the best tasting rooms in Napa Valley, Frank Family is considered one of today’s most successful California wineries. The team at Frank Family proudly stewards of 380 acres of sustainably farmed, coveted vineyards spanning five estate properties, including the iconic Winston Hill Vineyard in Rutherford. While best known for its classic renditions of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, the world-class portfolio also includes méthode champenoise sparkling wines, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and more.
For more information about Frank Family Vineyards, please visit www.frankfamilyvineyards.com
About K9s for Warriors
Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of trained Service Dogs to military Veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. With most dogs being rescues, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery. This treatment method is backed by scientific research (from University of Arizona’s OHAIRE Lab) demonstrating Service Dogs’ ability to help mitigate their Veteran’s symptoms of PTSD while simultaneously restoring their confidence and independence. Founded in 2011 as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors remains committed to bringing widespread awareness to Veterans’ mental health and contributing to policy-level reform.
The organization’s operation facilities include: K9s For Warriors National Headquarters (Ponte Vedra, FL) Davis Family Mega Kennel (Ponte Vedra, FL) Petco Love K9 Center (San Antonio, TX) and Warrior Ranch (Just North of San Antonio, TX).
Find more information at www.k9sforwarriors.org | Facebook | Twitter
