Rock Legend Eddie Money & The Sound of Money to Perform at Pets for Vets Gala May 14th at Reagan Library

Marking its second anniversary, Pets for Vets of Ventura County will hold its inaugural Gala May 14th at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley.

Pets for Vets, a National 501c3 organization with chapters all over the U.S., is dedicated to providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who could benefit from having a companion animal because they suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injury.

“We are overwhelmed by the support our first Gala has received,” said Mardu Lydick, PFV-VCC Chapter Director. “From our VIPs who have volunteered their time to be part of our program lineup to the talented performers we have enlisted for our guests’ entertainment, to the support of the Ventura County community at large as well as our auction and sponsor donors, we are extremely honored to have touched their hearts with our mission of helping vets and saving shelter pets.”

Many returning veterans suffer from physical and emotional injuries relating to their time in service, making it difficult to transition back to civilian life. Medical studies have shown that companion animals significantly reduce stress, depression and anxiety. The veteran-pet matches cost upwards of $3,000. Funds raised by the Gala will enable Pets for Vets to make more matches for local veterans.

For Eddie Money, it was fate that led him to Pets for Vets. “We were at Conejo Valley Animal Hospital because our dog had unexpectedly passed away in the middle of the night and we took him there to be cared for posthumously,” Money explained. “For several months, we had been looking for a new charity that focuses on our military. While at the animal hospital, we saw a brochure for Pets for Vets in the lobby. It was a bittersweet moment when we realized that there was a perfect cause that would allow us to pay homage to the passing of our sweet Bassett Hound, Bubba, so we reached out to Pets for Vets to offer our help with this ingenious foundation. It was a blessing to discover a way to help out with our two passions -- pets and vets. How fortunate we are to have the opportunity to be involved and we look forward to being a part of Pets for Vets in the days ahead!”

The Gala will also feature a special guest appearance by Loretta Swit, fondly known at "Hot Lips" from the hit TV series M*A*S*H.“Being involved with Pets for Vets is a natural fit,” said Swit. “It’s coming full circle for me to put all the elements of my humane activism together with my support and gratitude for our veterans and POWs.” Ms. Swit is Vice President of Actors & Others for Animals, on the board of Ayla’s Acres (a no-kill animal rescue sanctuary), and has served on campaigns for the Farm Sanctuary, the Search Dog Rescue Foundation and the Humane Society of the U.S. Pets for Vets is a colossal concept. Count me in!” Swit concluded.

The Gala starts at 6:00pm and will be held in the Presidential Learning Center at the Ronald Regan Library located at 40 Presidential Dr. in Simi Valley.

Tickets are $150 and can be purchased at http://www.petsforvetsventuracounty.com.

For more information on Pets for Vets Ventura County, visit http://www.ventura-ca.petsforvets.com.