CONTACT:
Shannon Latham, (515) 371-0450 | shannonl@LathamSeeds.com
Scott Dewey, (319) 290-0350 | scottdewey@RetrievingFreedom.org
Retrieving Freedom Introduces Corporate Partnership Program
Latham Seeds Encourages Others to Help Sponsor Service Dog Training
Waverly, Iowa – July 18, 2016 – Retrieving Freedom Inc. (RFI) of Waverly, Iowa, today announces Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds as its first participant in their official Corporate Sponsorship program. Participating companies will agree to make two annual payments of $5,000.
“We’re honored by Latham’s gift and hope it will help us better meet the requests for incoming service dog requests. We get 4 requests for every dog that has been trained through our program, so more money is needed to train more dogs,” says Scott Dewey, RFI co-founder and co-President. “Retrieving Freedom trains service dogs for placement with disabled veterans and children with Autism.
Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds of Alexander, Iowa, will donate the first $5,000 to RFI at its Freedom of Independence Ride around eastern Iowa on Aug. 19, which is being held on a R.E.D. Shirt Friday to “remember everyone deployed.”
“Because Iowans are known for taking care of each other and rallying when the going gets tough, we encourage other businesses to partner with RFI to provide specialized training for service dogs.” says Shannon Latham. “We’re also inviting Iowans with an interest in farming and a passion for riding motorcycles to join us for Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds’ field day on wheels to benefit Retrieving Freedom.”
One hundred percent of a rider’s registration fees for Latham’s Freedom of Independence Ride will benefit RFI. The $25 per rider registration fee includes two meals plus a commemorative t-shirt and a do-rag. Register today at lathamseeds.com!
“We’re committed to helping the communities where we live and do business, so we’re excited to announce our commitment to Retrieving Freedom,” says Shannon Latham, vice president of third, generation family-owned Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. “There is a long history between rural America and the military, and still today 40 percent of our nation’s military personnel come from rural areas. They give so much to protect our freedoms that helping train a service dog is one way we can show our gratitude.”
Retrieving Freedom spends two years training specific dogs to place with disabled veterans and individuals with autism. As a 501c (3) non-profit organization, Dewey says RFI strives to maximize the value of each donation by incorporating experienced volunteers, in-kind donations, and a limited staff.
“Trained service dogs allow veterans and children to regain their independence from simply sustaining in life to thriving still costs,” says Dewey. “This is why we hope other companies will join Latham Seedson this amazing journey. Sponsors will receive monthly updates of their dog throughout the entire process, so their employees can also be part of the process as the dog progresses through training and gets matched with an individual.”
Anyone interested in learning more about Retrieving Freedom is encouraged to visit http://retrievingfreedom.org or call 319-505-5949.