2009 - 2010AnnuAl report

Our Mission: To create and nurture a

partnership between a visually impaired

individual and a guide dog, facilitating life’s

journey with mobility, independence and dignity.

Chairman of the board and Ceo reportIt has been a good year at Southeastern Guide Dogs. 2009 – 2010 has been a year of achievement, honor, and dedication by a family of volunteers, staff members, supporters, and most of all, our deserving students. We’ve watched in awe as 25 litters of new puppies have found life here, and the simple miracle of a newborn puppy never fades. Watching its transformation to a gifted and exceedingly well trained guide dog, however, now that’s the bigger miracle. These pages of our annual report are only a hint of the wonder and phenomenon that takes place every day at our beautiful Palmetto campus.

The year has witnessed quite a few notable achievements, some of which are listed on the right.

Despite these achievements, our highest applause goes to our valiant graduates and their incredible dogs. Their efforts and growing confidence are the inspiration behind all we do, none of which is possible without you. Thank you for all you do in giving the gift of independence to our students and graduates.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Branch, AIA Titus HermanChairman of the Board Chief Executive Officer

• Launched 70 new guide dog partnerships with our signature 3-to-1 student-to-trainer ratio. Our 600 active graduates reflect that success, and we provide vigilant follow-up services to ensure the long-term success of all of our guide dog teams.

• Recognized by the Tampa Bay Business Journal as the 2010 Nonprofit of the Year in the Environment and Animals category.

• Received the highly coveted four-star rating by Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent evaluator of charities. Charity Navigator ranks other similar non-profits, and we are thrilled to receive the highest score among all guide dog schools in the country!

• Awarded a significant five-year accreditation renewal by the prestigious International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). After a stringent three-day on-site assessment last September, the IGDF determined that Southeastern Guide Dogs meets or exceeds the highest standards in breeding, puppy raising, dog training, and client care.

• Opened our new, full-service campus veterinary clinic outfitted with approximately 250 pieces of equipment and ample supplies. We can now conduct tests and surgical procedures on campus, improving the speed and quality of care. Keeping healthcare on site reduces expenses, cuts staff time required for transport, and minimizes stress on our dogs.

• Implemented our new puppy Early Socialization Program. Developed in collaboration with the University of South Florida, the program provides an effective, gentle method to acclimate puppies to the big world of crates, collars, surfaces, sounds, and smells. The program accelerates the all-important house-training, so puppy raisers enjoy a more successful transition.

• Established the new Southeastern Guide Dogs Discovery Center in downtown Sarasota. This outpost serves as an urban training base for students and dogs; as a community outreach of workshops, seminars, and presentations; and as a gift shop/pet boutique with proceeds supporting our mission.

• Added more than 130 regional veterinary clinics in our Veterinarian Partners Program. These generous partners donate or discount services to puppies raised by volunteers, ensuring more affordable, high quality care.

notable aChievements

The Heart of the MatterCreating guide dog teams who leave here with heads high, strides long, and confidence blooming—that’s what it’s all about. We’re making an impact, and this year we’ve graduated 70 new guide dog teams. Our graduates share life-changing stories packed with emotion and progress, which fuels our passion to accomplish even more.

Damp Days, Bright Spirits You can’t dampen bighearted spirits with something

as inconsequential as the weather. Our 24th Annual Walkathon rained generosity and goodwill

(along with steady showers) for one of our most successful fundraisers yet. More than 1,600 walkers,

personal pledges, online donations, silent auctions, and community sponsors netted $350,000. Our

Walkathon’s Silver Anniversary is up next! Th

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Saturday SmilesOur community loves our

puppy hugging and dog walking sessions, and so do

our puppies! A key to early socialization and fitness, we’ve

expanded our public puppy hugging and dog walking hours

to include Saturdays. Now more school children and working

adults can share the love.

Raising the WoofBuilders put on the dog and designers found their inner Fido at our first ever Barkitecture gala and fundraiser. We auctioned whimsical, fully functioning dog houses and crate surrounds, generated lots of buzz, enjoyed the merriment of the party, and Barkitecture raised over $31,000 to support our mission.

Healthcare Comes HomeOur new, full-service veterinary

clinic wholly improves the quality of care we can provide our dogs. X-rays, C-sections, spaying and

neutering, diagnostics, dental care, and wellness exams are expertly

performed on campus. Our onsite clinic minimizes puppy stress while

cutting the time and expense of offsite healthcare.

Southern HospitalityOur students often feel nervous before arriving on campus, so we do all we can to surround them with comfort. Completely remodeled student rooms welcome them with full-size beds (upgraded from single size); soft, quality linens; nightstands with lamps; computer desks; special magnifying mirrors, easy-to-navigate closet organizers; and flat-screen TVs.

Sights, Smells, and SoundsVolunteers tickle, stretch, and stimulate the newest of puppies to raise more confident guides. Bouncing balls, rolling wheels, whirring hairdryers, noisy vacuums, sandy surfaces…we gently massage their senses with the experiences of humanity. Add an early start to house training and basic commands, and our puppies are better prepared for a new home with puppy raisers.

Downtown DogsWhen students and puppies are ready to master city sidewalks

and cross busy streets, we head for downtown Sarasota. Our new Discovery Center is the perfect base for urban training and

community outreach. We offer workshops on everything from pet health to estate planning for pets, and proceeds from our boutique

pet gift shop support our mission.

Graduate Cicely Sheffield and guide Dorothy

At 22 years old, Cicely Sheffield is heading forward into her future with confidence. Despite deteriorating vision due to retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration, this cheerful college student is determined to get an education and gain her independence.

Diagnosed as a child, Cicely has never driven a car and relies on family members for transportation. She retains limited vision in the daytime, but cannot see at night. When she first met her black and tan Labrador guide, Dorothy, Cicely encountered a new challenge. “Going on a night walk—that was my biggest test!” she shares. “And we passed! Now I feel confident to go out at night. I have all the freedom in the world!”

Once she returned home with Dorothy, Cicely was amused at how her new best friend follows her everywhere. “Even when I’m in the shower, she’s right there,” she smiles. Cicely has been amazed at Dorothy’s intelligence and keen sense of smell. Even in new, unfamiliar places, Dorothy guides Cicely to restrooms, elevators, escalators, and even finds the family car in a public parking lot.

At Lake Sumter Community College, it’s easy to spot Cicely and Dorothy walking to class—they’re the ones walking briskly together. “I needed a dog with a fast pace. We fly together…she’s great!” And Cicely has found that having Dorothy along helps her get to know more people. There’s no better conversation starter than a gorgeous guide dog!

This remarkable young woman studies elementary education, volunteers with the college’s Campus Diplomats, a student services organization, and volunteers with New Vision for Independence, Inc., a local organization that provides free rehabilitation instruction to the visually impaired. We at Southeastern Guide Dogs are proud of Dorothy’s role in her life and of Cicely’s renewed confidence and success.

ConfidenCeFoR CollEGE anD bEyonD

Pat and Mary Copeland were “corporate gypsies,” traveling the world for Pat’s job, when Mary heard about raising guide dog puppies. After settling in Florida, she discovered Southeastern Guide Dogs and met with an area coordinator to learn more. The couple is now raising their fourth puppy—a gorgeous Goldador named Sunset.

“We enjoy giving our time to Southeastern,” shares Pat. “The real payoff is being part of a team that delivers a dog to a blind person to help them get through life. One of our dogs went home with a student who sends us great stories, like how her dog guided her around a downed tree and a power line. We like being part of an effort that enables someone to get through life in a confident and safe manner.”

Pat and Mary have worked hard at learning how to train their dogs.They attend two puppy raiser meetings a month and give their dog plenty of attention. Pat’s work as a consultant results in plenty of puppy exposure to hotels and air travel. “You feel good when you see your dog learn to behave in a public place,” Pat says. “People don’t even know we have a dog on the plane until we’ve landed!”

“The benefits we’ve gotten far exceed what we’ve given,” he continues. “Working with our dogs; meeting the students our dogs are placed with; making new friends with other puppy raisers; all of our great experiences out in public…this has been fabulous.”

Mary agrees wholeheartedly and shares, “What joyous and enriching experiences each of our Southeastern Guide Dog pups has brought into our lives.”

sUnset travelsPaT anD MaRy CoPElanD

Puppy Raisers Pat and Mary Copeland with puppy-in-training Sunset

Our Heritage Society represents a core collection of influential men and women whose generosity speaks to the future. These advocates of our cause have pledged lasting support through perpetuating annual gifts, life income gifts, and bequests through estate plans and testaments. They have entrusted Southeastern Guide Dogs with a part of themselves and their legacy.

What a powerful impact they make; what trust they have placed in our hands.How grateful we are to these individuals; these heroes of the visually impaired and champions of the challenged. Their thoughtfulness imparts a certain security that tomorrow’s students will be cared for; tomorrow’s puppies will frolic and tumble; tomorrow’s guide dogs will gracefully clear the path for another generation of deserving students.

We applaud and salute the founders and members of our Heritage Society.

David and Deborah Barnhart, GASenator Mike and Dee Bennett, FLWarren and Marie Beuttenmuller, PASuzanne and Dallas W. Branch, TXDr. Charleen Evans-Thomas, FLAlix Franzblau, FLMissy and Tim Griffy, TXAnonymous, GAJ.W. and Janice Kelly, TXAnonymous, FLBrian and Patricia McHugh, FLWilliam and Tanga Moyle, FLBobby and Merideth Newman, FLAnonymous, GAJohn Petkevis, FLFrances Wood Roberts, FLDr. Harris and Micheline Silverman, FLNorman and Phyllis Siskel, FLKatie and Scott Tyler, NCRussell and Ruth White, FLEric and Jan Williams, FLMrs. Roger Williams III, FL

Delores and Dr. R. S. Beach, FLJohn and Regine Behoff, FLTom Bremer, FLJane Carroll, GAMac and Kathleen Cauley, VAMurray Chidester, NCScott and Kelly Collins, FLCatherine Costanzo, FLAnonymous, FLD. Jane Ellis, FLCarol and Nathan Forrester, FLKatherine Goad, FLDebbie and Frela Grubb, FLAnonymous, FLLaura and Mauro Harto, FLHelen Henderson, FLMs. Rhoda Herr, FLSandra Holder, FLKathy Jablonicky, FLDorothy La Greco, FLAnn Lee, FLLea and Jeff LeVines, FLAnonymous, FLCarl and Shirley Lingertot, FLAnonymous, FLSally McDonald, FLAnonymous, FLMelinda Miller, FLAnonymous, FLAnonymous, FLDavid Nichols, TXRobert and Lorraine O’Dea, FLRoger and Alisa Pettingell, FLFlorence and Gill Ruderman, FLViolet Slicker, FLMr. and Mrs. A. Jay Somers, FLJerry and Marcia Stern, FLJim and Linda Thayer, FLEarl Wather, Jr., NCRuth and Robert Werner, FLBarbara Wheatley, FL

HERITAGE SOCIETYFOUNDERS

heritaGe soCietYThE PoTEnCy oF lEGaCy

Paws for PatriotsTM graduate Kathy Champion with guide Angel

MEMBERS

I am pleased to report that the fiscal year that ended on June 30, 2010 turned out to be another solid one for Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Kerkering, Barberio & Co. completed its independent audit in October and found the organization to be operating in a financially sound manner, with total revenues and investment earnings of approximately $5.9 million and total expenses of approximately $5.2 million. Both revenues and expenses include more than $750,000 in in-kind media contributions that enabled the school to vigorously promote its mission and programs.

During the fiscal year, the school invested 87 cents of every dollar spent directly in programs and services, an increase in efficiency and effectiveness from last year’s 83 cents.

The overall financial position of the organization remained exceptionally strong. Total net assets of approximately $17 million, which included $12.6 million in cash and investments at the close of the year, increased by $639,000 over the prior year. Meanwhile, liabilities of approximately $455,000 at year-end kept the organization virtually debt free.

The achievements of this past year would not have been possible without the dedication of the Board, leadership team and remarkable staff of this organization. The continued support of our vital donor base, supporters and volunteers, who have provided financial support as well as time and talent in pursuing our mission, has set us apart in the non-profit world during challenging times.

The organization’s complete financial statements can be found on our website at www.guidedogs.org.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathryn B. TylerTreasurer

treasUrer’s report

Puppy Raiser Fran Kramer with grandson Tristan and puppy-in-training Millard

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITIONJUNE 30, 2010 AND 2009 2010 2009 aSSETS Cash and cash equivalents $ 2,225,207 $977,446 Investments 5,398,977 3,593,121. Cash and investments for restricted purposes 5,003,617 4,963,734 Bequests and estates receivable 1,302,509 3,657,814 Charitable trusts receivable 686,593 638,922 Assets held for sale 588,000 588,000 Property and equipment, net 2,133,690 2,120,919 Other assets 143,256 244,164 ToTal aSSETS $17,481,849 $16,784,120

lIabIlITIES anD nET aSSETS Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 268,812 $ 242,381 Gift annuity liability 165,131 132,415 Total liabilities 433,943 374,796 Net Assets Unrestricted 11,522,827 10,939,083 Temporarily restricted 2,939,340 2,997,500 Permanently restricted 2,585,739 2,472,741 Total net assets 17,047,906 16,409,324 ToTal lIabIlITIES anD nET aSSETS $17,481,849 $16,784,120

COMBINED STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2010 (WITH SUMMARIzED TOTALS FOR 2009) 2010 2009 SUPPoRT anD REvEnUE Individuals $ 791,510 $ 947,702 Bequests 2,124,140 4,396,978 Lions and service clubs 368,569 313,142 Foundations and corporations 452,052 741,832 Contributed services 789,150 289,500 Other 455,045 369,168 Total support and revenue 4,980,466 7,058,322 ExPEnSES Program services 4,520,033 3,504,885 Supporting services Management and general 361,734 360,879 Fund raising 340,410 343,706 Total expenses 5,222,177 4,209,470 Current year operating revenues over operating expenses (241,711) 2,848,852

non-oPERaTInG aCTIvITIES Realized gain (loss) on investments (1,414) (1,244,395) Unrealized gain (loss) on investments 545,162 (483,260) Interest income 314,686 314,467 Other 21,859 (78,383) Total non-operating activities 880,293 (1,491,571) InCREaSE In nET aSSETS 638,582 1,357,281 Net assets beginning of year 16,409,324 15,052,043 Net assets end of year $17,047,906 $16,409,324

Bestselling author Marcus Luttrell is a home-grown Texan and a fierce patriot. In his book “Lone Survivor,” Marcus tells of surviving the brutal gunfight of four Navy SEALS against 150 Afghani Taliban fighters. With the downing of a rescue helicopter, the fight turned into the largest loss of life in Navy SEAL history. Marcus was the only survivor; his journey home from the side of that embattled mountain began when he crawled seven miles to a remote village.His gunshot wounds eventually healed, but the inner battle continued as Marcus fought the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The symptoms seemed to calm with the help of his dog, Dasy, named in honor of his four-man team: D for Danny Dietz; A for Axe, Matthew Axelson; S for Southern Boy (Marcus); and Y for Yankee, a.k.a Michael Murphy. Dasy meant the world to Marcus.

Dasy was randomly shot and killed by teens in a late night, drive-by prank. Marcus chased them down across four counties until law enforcement arrested them at a roadblock. The perpetrators are awaiting sentencing. Southeastern Guide Dogs has a huge soft spot for veterans, much less combat survivors with PTSD. Our Paws for Patriots™ program serves those who have served, so it was with great honor that we provided Marcus with a brilliant companion therapy dog named Rigby. Marcus and Rigby have formed a powerful bond, and Rigby has helped Marcus continue on the path to healing.

Today Marcus spends his energy helping other returning veterans and their families who suffer from the trauma of war. Marcus is an inspiration to others, and Rigby faithfully serves at his side offering a calming presence and the comfort so desperately needed for combat survivors. Because companion therapy dogs play an important role in helping our veterans mend, Rigby is the perfect partner for this American hero. At Southeastern Guide Dogs, we’re thankful for our veterans, our companion therapy dogs, and all of our friends whose support makes more partnerships like Marcus and Rigby’s possible.

the perfeCt partnerFoR an aMERICan hERo

Marcus Luttrell with Paws for PatriotsTM Companion Therapy Dog Rigby

PlATINUMvETERINARIAN PARTNERSAbrams Royal Animal Clinic, Dallas, TXAllen Veterinary Hospital, Allen, TXAnimal Hospital of Boone, Boone, NCAshton Animal Clinic, Sarasota, FLBaywood Veterinary Clinic, Cape Coral, FLGoodwin Animal Hospital, Montgomery, ALHearthstone Animal Clinic, Houston, TXJonesboro Animal Hospital, Jonesboro, GAKaty Trail Animal Hospital, Dallas, TXLa Vista Animal Hospital, Decatur, GAPet Doctors of America, Ponte Verde, FLPet Doctors of America, Jacksonville, FLSoutheast Alabama Veterinary Hospital, Dothan, ALSouthwest Florida Veterinary Specialists,Bonita Springs, FLSugar Creek Animal Clinic, Sugar Land, TXUniversity Animal Hospital S.A., Dallas, TXWarrington Veterinary Clinic, Pensacola, FLWillowdale Veterinary Center, Orange Park, FL

veterinarians With heartoUR PlaTInUM PaRTnERS

It takes a lot of heart to become a veterinarian. The sheer effort required to achieve the title is enough to turn away the fainthearted. It takes dedication, willpower, and a compassionate spirit. Our Platinum Partner veterinarians take heart to a whole new level, however, offering their services at no charge for our puppies out in the field.

Heartfelt thanks go to these generous volunteers, whose willingness to lend a hand means better healthcare and lower costs for Southeastern Guide Dogs.

4210 77th Street East Palmetto, FL 34221 Tel: 941.729.5665 Fax: 941.729.6646

guidedogs.org

Southeastern Guide Dogs is accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) in Reading, England and is a member of the Council of U.S. Dog Guide Schools.

Suzanne Branch, AIAChairman of the BoardDallas, TX

Eric WilliamsVice ChairmanSt. Petersburg, FL

Scott Collins, Esq.SecretarySarasota, FL

Katie TylerTreasurerCharlotte, NC

David BarnhartMemberAtlanta, GA

Carol Beauchamp-ForresterMemberBoca Grande, FL

Tim GriffyMemberRichardson, TX

Debbie GrubbMember Bradenton, FL

Laura HartoMemberSarasota, FL

William MoyleMemberSafety Harbor, FL

Bobby NewmanMemberTampa, FL

Ann-Margaret Perkins, Esq.MemberCarrollton, GA

Roger PettingellMemberSarasota, FL

Harris Silverman, M.D.MemberBradenton, FL

Board of directors