What IS the Tales & Tails Gala?
The Tales & Tails Gala is a spectacular gala event sponsored by SeaWorld Orlando to benefit Canine Companions for Independence, headquartered in Orlando, Florida. Canine Companions for Independence is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.
Fonda Ryan Cerenzio founded the Tales & Tails Gala in 1997 with the support of dedicated volunteers. Led by Sponsorship Chair Christine O'Neal and Auction Chair Paul Richards, members of the 2008 Tales & Tails volunteer gala committee devote tremendous energies and resources to make this evening one you will save the date for each year!
The 12th annual celebration of the Tales & Tails Gala is scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2008. The event will offer guests the opportunity to meet and mingle with Jack Hanna, world famous animal behaviorist and television personality of Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures. During this special evening held in SeaWorld’s ‘Ports of Call’ gardens and ballroom, you will not only spend time with Jack Hanna and some of his exotic animal friends but your evening will also be complemented with an evening of ‘fun-rai$ing’ with silent and live auctions, dinner and a very special entertainment program.
You will have the opportunity to hear some remarkable “Tales” of accomplishments from some of the exceptional people who have benefited from Canine Companions for Independence’s exceptional dogs. Don’t forget the other “Tails”: Canine Companions for Independence graduate dogs and puppies in training will also be in attendance to show some of their special training and skills!
What IS Canine Companions for Independence?
If you dropped something on the floor right now, would you be able to pick it up? Sounds easy, doesn’t it? But what if you used a wheelchair or had limited use of your arms or legs? Could you turn the light switch on and off… pick up your dropped keys… reach a counter to make a bank transaction… pay the cashier at the mall… or push an elevator button? If you were a mother who was deaf or hard of hearing would you know your child was crying... the smoke alarm or oven timer was going off... the doorbell or phone was ringing?
Such everyday tasks and sounds are taken for granted by many; yet thousands of individuals with disabilities cannot accomplish these tasks unassisted. A Canine Companions for Independence assistance dog can function as the assistant that makes these tasks possible, providing independence and self-confidence once thought impossible to attain by many.
Founded in 1975, Canine Companions for Independence pioneered the concept of training dogs to assist people with disabilities. The Southeast Regional Center of Canine Companions for Independence is located in Orlando, FL and serves the eight southeastern states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The facility is known as a place where ‘training, education and caring come together to form a Circle of Love”. The mission of this unique nonprofit organization is to enhance the lives people with disabilities by providing them with highly trained assistance dogs and continuing support to ensure the success of the working team. In short, they provide Exceptional Dogs for Exceptional People™!