The Guide Dogs of America (GDA) Online Auction is open for bidding until Sunday, June 12 at 6 p.m. PT. You can do your part to bring independence to someone like Rebecca Mendez and her guide dog Corra.
Submit your bids in the 2016 Guide Dogs of America Online Auction.
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| 2015 Guide Dogs of America graduate Rebecca Mendez and her guide dog Corra. |
“Corra is the best thing that has ever happened to me,” said Mendez, who was born blind. “After college, I wanted to be more independent. I was starting to feel like my cane and my blindness were a barrier and felt like something was missing in my life.”
By bidding in the GDA silent online auction you will be making more life-changing stories possible for blind and visually impaired individuals across North America.
“With a cane I felt like I stood out. With a guide dog I stand out but in a different way,” said Mendez. “I’m not hesitant to go and talk to people or ask for assistance. I feel like I can do everything that everyone else can do.”
Mendez says the first time she took the harness in her hand “it was like magic.”
There are more than 300 items up for auction and GDA needs your support to continue providing trained guide dogs. You can also donate cash in any amount. Guide Dogs of America receives no government funding or support and it costs approximately $42,000 for GDA to create a successful guide dog team.
The school charges nothing to recipients or their families for the many services and items required. These include a fully trained guide dog, a specially designed harness, instruction by GDA’s professionally licensed trainers, on-site room and board for the 28-day instruction period, veterinary and follow-up care, and travel expenses when requested.
With the increased independence, mobility and confidence a guide dog provides, blind individuals are better able to participate in community activities, compete in the work force and travel.
