Discover How You’re Making a Difference in the Lives of Others
Southeastern Guide Dogs
Service dogs play a vital role in providing invaluable support to veterans and others facing various challenges, including physical disabilities, mental health conditions, and more. The reasons for needing a service dog can be categorized as follows:
Donating to organizations like Southeastern Guide Dogs, which aid firefighters, police, and veterans, amplifies our mission to honor and support our nation's heroes. Statistics show that 30% of first responders experience PTSD (National Alliance on Mental Illness), and approximately 11-30% of veterans experience PTSD at some point in their lives, depending on their service era (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs).
By supporting these causes, we extend our impact, providing critical resources and recognition to those who have sacrificed for our safety and freedom.
The 1776 Owens Foundation pledges to donate $4,000.00 to support these vital efforts.
Donation History: June, 2024 - $4,000.
Recipient: Southeastern Guide Dogs
Fallen Minneapolis Police Officer - “The Benevolent Fund”
On May 30th, 2023, Officer Jamal Mitchell responded to a call about a mass shooting incident. Upon arriving at the scene, he encountered an injured middle-aged male leaning against a car. Tragically, when Officer Mitchell attempted to provide assistance, he was ambushed and shot to death by the suspect. The autopsy revealed that Officer Mitchell sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
Officer Jamal Mitchell's ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty will never be forgotten. His bravery and commitment to serving his community will be honored and remembered.
Forever Honored, Never Forgotten.
The 1776 Owens Foundation has pledged a donation of $4,000.00 to the fund.
Donation History: June, 2024 - $4,000.
Recipient: Officer Jamal Mitchell’s family through The Benevolent Fund.
Fallen Burnsville Police Officers - “The benevolent Fund”
In a tragic incident, a man opened fire on officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge without warning while they were inside his house in Burnsville, Minnesota. This occurred after officers had been negotiating with him for approximately 3 1/2 hours. According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the officers returned fire and wounded the man before making it outside. Tragically, a firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth was also shot while aiding the wounded officers. The investigation revealed that the man fired more than 100 rounds at police and first responders.
Forever Honored, Never Forgotten.
In recognition of the ultimate sacrifice made by the fallen officers and firefighter, the 1776 Owens Foundation has pledged to donate $12,000.00, with $4,000.00 dedicated to each of the fallen members and their families.
Donation History: June 2024 - $12,000.
To the following officers' families: Officer Paul Elmstrand ($4,000), Officer Matthew Ruge ($4,000), and Firefighter/Paramedic Adam Finseth ($4,000) through The Benevolent Fund.
Fallen Wisconsin Police Officers
Officer Emily Breidenbach had served with the Chetek Police Department since 2019. She was the handler for the department's dog, K9 Officer Grizz, and was renowned for her compassion towards the community, especially the children of Chetek. Her commitment to making a positive impact was truly remarkable.
Officer Hunter Sheel had served with the Cameron Police Department since 2022. During his time there, he was a dedicated and passionate officer. Prior to joining the police force, Hunter served six years as a member of the Army National Guard.
Both officers' watches ended tragically on April 8th, 2023, when they were shot and killed during a routine traffic stop.
Forever Honored, Never Forgotten.
The 1776 Owens Foundation has pledged to donate $8,000.00, with $4,000.00 dedicated to each officer's family and their respective communities.
Donation History: June, 2024 - $8,000.
To the following officers’ families: Officer Hunter T. Scheel ($4,000) and Officer Emily Breidenbach ($4,000).
Camp Valor Outdoors
Camp Valor Outdoors is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting military veterans. Their mission is to recognize and honor ill, injured, and wounded disabled veterans and their families through adaptive and competitive outdoor activities. These activities include guided fishing, hunting, shooting, archery, 4-wheeling, and simply relaxing around the campfire. Camp Valor Outdoors welcomes veterans from all branches of the military and all generations.
The organization believes that healing in the great outdoors, while reconnecting with fellow warriors, is both therapeutic and essential to the recovery process for veterans. The outdoor activities and camaraderie provided by Camp Valor Outdoors aim to aid in the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of these brave individuals who have sacrificed for their country.
In support of Camp Valor Outdoors' mission, the 1776 Owens Foundation has pledged to donate $4,000.00 to further their efforts in serving and honoring the nation's veterans.
Donation History: June, 2024 - $4,000.
Recipient: Camp Valor Outdoors.
Milltown VFW Post 6856
With more than 1.4 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in nearly 6,000 Posts worldwide, the VFW and its Auxiliary are dedicated to veterans' service, legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs.
This year, (2024) the 1776 Owens Foundation will be donating $4,000.00 specifically to VFW Post 6856, located west of Bone Lake.
Donation History: June, 2008 - June 2024 - $104,000.
Recipient: VFW Post 6856.
