Columns raises nearly $2,000 for Zilinski Memorial Fund

AVON-BY-THE-SEA, N.J. – The Columns restaurant, bar and night club, raised $1,920 this week to benefit the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial Fund’s K9 Sgt. Denny project. Every Sunday, the Columns features a local non-profit organization for patrons to support.

Bobby Bandiera & Friends provided live music in the evening and owners Frank Matthews and Michael Wright waived the customary cover charge in lieu of a donation to support that night’s featured non-profit.

The K9 Sgt. Denny project has provided funds to support the sponsorship of 68 service dogs. All but eight (60) of the sponsored dogs have been trained and graduated. These dogs are used to support wounded service members who are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). These dogs are sponsored for $15,000 each. Service dogs are trained to help wounded warriors with these health issues that they face upon returning home from combat. For those returning home from combat, the transition back into society can be overwhelming. All of these service dogs are ADA approved and certified.

Nearly 600 military dogs are serving to protect our soldiers around the world. Much is made of the bond among soldiers, but the union between soldier and dog in a combat zone is just as tight. Funds raised from this event will go toward supporting our military working dogs that are currently serving overseas. Often the role of the military working dog goes unrecognized. These animals are brave soldiers working with their handlers. The Zilinski Memorial Fund currently sponsors more than 60 military working dogs serving overseas. While their basic needs are met, a care package sends a message that both dog and handler are honored and remembered for their bravery by those of us back home.

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About the Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund

The Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski, II Memorial was created and founded in 2006 in order to honor Lt. Zilinski’s memory and spirit for life. The Fund sponsors programs for injured soldiers and scholarships to Lt. Zilinski’s alma mater, Christian Brothers Academy. The Fund provides support to improve the morale and welfare of members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. Additionally, by providing scholarships, the Fund invests in the future of high school students who embody the leadership qualities and community spirit of Lt. Zilinski.

For more information please visit: www.runwithdennis.org or email RunwithDennis@yahoo.com.

Additional donations may be sent to: Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski Memorial Fund, PO Box 35, Holmdel, NJ 07733.