Purse bash at Harrison VFW to benefit service dog nonprofit

A purse bash Saturday at the Harrison Veterans of Foreign Wars will send lucky participants out the door with a new bag, but the larger purpose will be sending veterans home with a service dog to help transform their lives.

The fundraiser will benefit a Washington County group that helps pair veterans with highly skilled dogs that help them transition through disabilities.

Life Changing Service Dogs for Veterans was founded in 2015 by two Vietnam vets, George D’Angelo, an Air Force fighter pilot, and Tony Accamando, an Army lieutenant.

The group supports a Florida initiative called Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, which has partnered more than 400 trained pets with those in need.

“The (Department of Veterans Affairs) estimates that 20 veterans commit suicide every day,” said William Jeffcoat of Plum, who serves as president of the service dog program. “No veteran who has received a service dog from our partner has committed suicide.”

Jeffcoat, other veterans and their dogs will be on hand at the Harrison fundraiser to help raise awareness of the program.

The event is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at VFW Post 894.

Joe Musco, acting VFW quartermaster, said officers jumped at the chance to support Jeffcoat’s efforts.

It is one of many fundraisers the facility hosts each year to support military charities.

A recent purse bash benefited the Hope House in Butler with $2,500. Regular support is given to the VFW National Home for Children, the Pittsburgh Fisher House and the Robin’s Home.

“On a day-to-day (basis), we support numerous veterans throughout the community with VA or personal support when needed,” Musco said. “We are very proud of these efforts, and we will continue to support these folks as much as possible.”

VFW member Deb McKillop expects the purse bash to draw a big crowd. Public support is overwhelmingly positive, she said.

“It’s a team effort to create these events,” McKillop said.

“It feels good to give back to the veterans and be able to donate. The best part is watching everything fall into place and everybody having a great time.”

McKillop said that service organizations everywhere were left reeling from covid, and the Harrison VFW is working hard to build membership and draw people back to events.

“A lot of folks in the community don’t know that the VFW is a club that anyone can join,” Musco said. “You do not have to be a veteran of a foreign war, or even have ever been in any branch of the armed forces. We are, however, dedicated to supporting all veterans in our community.

“If you want to thank a veteran, the best way is to join the VFW.”