Supporters, volunteers and veterans will gather on Wednesday, May 20 to celebrate the mission of Puppy Jake Foundation at the Second Annual Puppy Jake Gala, an evening dedicated to raising support for the training of service dogs for veterans.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Curate, located at 322 E. Court Avenue in Des Moines’ East Village Cultural District.

“For more than a decade, Puppy Jake has been committed to training service dogs that assist veterans,” said Lisa Russell, CEO of Puppy Jake Foundation. “The Puppy Jake Gala is an opportunity to celebrate the volunteers, supporters and partners who make this work possible, and to highlight the incredible service dog and veteran teams who inspire us every day.”

The evening will feature a service dog in training fashion show, live music and stories highlighting how Puppy Jake service dogs have helped change the life of a veteran. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a silent auction supporting the organization’s mission.

One of those stories includes a veteran who shared that his Puppy Jake service dog helps him navigate daily life with confidence — from recognizing signs of anxiety in crowded places to providing steady companionship during challenging moments. For many veterans, a service dog becomes a trusted partner who helps restore independence and a sense of normalcy.

The inaugural Gala in 2025 raised more than $100,000 to support the continued training of service dogs for veterans, and organizers hope to exceed that total this year.

Since 2014, Puppy Jake Foundation has matched more than 70 service dogs with veterans living with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress and mobility challenges. It takes approximately two years and more than $25,000to raise and train a single service dog.

Puppy Jake service dogs are provided at no cost to veterans or their families.

Tickets and additional information about the Gala are available online at www.puppyjakefoundation.org.

For more information, contact Puppy Jake Foundation at 515.777.2837 or events@puppyjakefoundation.org.