Guide Dog News
2013, Issue #1
We’re Almost There!
Thanks to our generous friends and supporters, we’re getting closer to completing the construction of our new
student residence hall. Every donation counts toward hitting the goal of $10 million. We are so thankful for the
response we’ve had so far, but we still need your help. In this special edition of Guide Dog News, you will
read all about this specially-designed, state-of-the art building that will be home to so many of future students
and their new guide dogs while they learn to navigate their world together as a team. This pairing and the
learning that will take place during their time spent at this gorgeous new facility represents an important step
in the lives of two souls and the adventure that lies ahead. It is our hope that you will be inspired to contribute
to the project and be a part of GDB’s exciting future.
From the President's Desk
As I begin my second year at Guide Dogs for the Blind, I’m still amazed at how relevant and important our
work is in society today. Earlier in my professional life I was involved with organizations working to cure or halt
the progress of blindness—much needed work that has made tremendous strides over the past few decades.
And technology continues to march on with significant advances in new therapies and devices. There are
approximately 1.3 million people who are blind in the United States, but that number is estimated to be 2.4
million by 2030, despite quantum advances in medicine and technology.
All this to say that we think our work here is and will continue to be needed for many years to come. Which is
why we’re making key investments in our people, infrastructure and programs that will help ensure that we’re
not just meeting, but exceeding the expectations of our blind and visually impaired clients into the future.
One key investment we’re making today: the new student residence hall on our California campus in San
Rafael. By any measure, this will be an amazing new facility, with the most modern accommodations,
technology and infrastructure, all geared to the student of today—and tomorrow. But to me it’s more than just
wood, glass and concrete. It’s a declaration that we at Guide Dogs for the Blind put our clients—the blind and
visually impaired students who come to us for a guide dog—front and center in everything we do. They are
the reason we exist, and this new building is just one shining example of how we will continue to strive to
better serve them.
If you’ve already made a gift to the new student residence, thank you! Your support means the world to us,
and tells us that you value the work that we do and the bright future we see ahead. If not, I urge you to
consider making a donation today. Your gift will have lasting impact on the thousands of future students who
will come to GDB to have their lives transformed, safely traveling through the world with new canine partners
by their sides.
With much gratitude,
Paul Lopez
President and CEO
Development Director
As most of you know, the crux of our work at GDB is bringing together a highly trained guide dog with a
visually impaired student to create a unique partnership that transforms the lives of both. The new student
residence is the place where this incredible bond is forged, and thus is the most important spot on our
campus.
You can read more about the building’s design and features elsewhere in this newsletter, but what excites me
about it is the opportunity to engage our various constituents in coming together to bring this great project to
fruition. And engaged they are: we’re already off to an impressive start on our $10 million campaign for this
project, with more than $9.4 million raised to-date from some of our early, “quiet phase” donors. Perhaps most
impressive is the strong support this top priority has seen from some of our closest communities—puppy
raisers, breeder custodians, campus volunteers, Legacy Society members and, of course, our graduates.
More than $700,000 has been contributed from these groups alone, with more coming in every day.
But the best is still ahead. Now it’s your opportunity to roll up your sleeves and give to what promises to be
the cornerstone of the California campus, the place where all our work to produce and train the best guide
dogs in the world culminates in the legendary partnerships that set us apart from other schools. So whether
you give $10 or $10,000, I encourage you to consider the difference you can make in the lives of blind and
visually impaired students for generations to come, by supporting this important project.
Thanks so much for all you do for us!
Sincerely,
Chris Jones
Director of Development
Naming Opportunities
One of the most exciting aspects about a building fundraising campaign like this one is the opportunity for
donors to be recognized publicly for their generosity. All those who contribute $1,000 or more will be honored
on our donor wall.
Larger gifts, however, enable donors to designate a particular room or feature of the residence. A number of
indoor and outdoor areas have already been named, including:
 Fireside lounge—Dr. S.J. Hazan
 Outdoor stage—Thelma B. and Thomas F. Hart Foundation
 Assembly room—Richard A. and Christine Peterfy
 Charitable Trust
 Classroom—Vicki Jaffe
 Grooming/wet room—Lois Seigal
 Redwood grove—Rubin Family Foundation
 Seating area—The Cella Family
 Grassy exercise areas—Hedinger Family Foundation,
 DeLong-Sweet Family Foundation, and the Hind Foundation
 Student lounge—Estate of Blanche Thebom
 Student rooms—Dr. Wendy Bernstein, Hilda Namm, Linda and Thomas Von Rhine, Claire Skall,
Lillyan Tremaroli, Tricia Blair Family, Jim Oliver, James and Joyce Mauro, Vicky and Marshall Berol,
and Leonard, Nancy and Jeffrey Joseph
There are many significant naming opportunities still available, including the chance to name the building
itself. This is a great option for the right donor to leave a lasting and meaningful mark on this highly visible
campus landmark.
For more information, please contact Chris Jones, Director of Development, at cjones@guidedogs.com or
415-499-4041.
Donor Quotes
“Through raising our eight wonderful guide dog puppies we have met people across the GDB community who
have become very important to us. We hope that future students and their guide dogs will enjoy returning to
the new residence after a rigorous day of training.”
—Len, Nancy and Jeffrey Joseph
“I am very pleased and honored to be part of this wonderful charity. I have many friends within the
organization that have been a strong and loving influence in my life. The people, students and guide dogs are
important to me as family.”
—Howard Hedinger
Home is Where the Dogs Are
We’re getting closer to realizing our dream of a brand new student residence hall at our California campus.
With the generous support of our donors, we are very near—and hopefully will exceed—our goal of raising
$10 million toward this $16 million project. Since the needs and well-being of our clients and dogs are our
primary focus here at GDB, we’re looking forward to all of the “creature comforts” and state-of-the-art features
that have been incorporated in to the new building that will nurture a world-class learning environment.
Clearly much thought has gone into the building’s aesthetics, privacy, safety, and of course, comfort. What’s
not as apparent is the extra consideration given to ease-of-use for both our students and their new guides.
Starkweather Bondy Architecture of Oakland, Calif., began working on the project in 2010. An unbelievable
amount of research and programming went into the design of the building, which turned up many
considerations for the project that were new to all involved. While durability, sustainability and eco-friendliness
were top-of-mind, so was compliance with ADA requirements and, more importantly, a pro-active approach to
design a residence specifically tailored to the needs of our clients and their dogs.
“It was a challenge,” says Phred Starkweather. “While considerations were made for the students, we felt that
it was important for the experience in the new project to not be that different from an experience in any other
building. Whereas safety was paramount, the purpose of the students being here is to work with their guide in
different building settings they may encounter once they leave.”
Thoughtful elements have been incorporated into the building design that cater to our students and dogs.
Tactile, audible and aromatic markers (such as fragrant landscaping and water features) will help students
identify their location and path. Rounded edges are used throughout for comfort and safety. Since many of
our students are partially sighted, soft lighting, anti-glare materials as well as contrasting colors were used to
assist with visual cues. Even tactile art has been incorporated in the hallways.
One particularly thoughtful aspect of the design is a central relieving area for the dogs. All rooms open directly
to a covered courtyard to a pitched basin lawn. GDB is trying a synthetic turf in the dog run area. “It is
important that these dogs have their play time, but we want to provide somewhere safe, clean and durable,”
said Mike Fryer, GDB’s facility manager. The synthetic material offers bio-security. It can be disinfected
without ruining the turf. Long-term it will be safer, last longer, and cut down on maintenance costs.
Privacy is also key. The residence is passkey coded to only allow students and specific staff into the living
environment, which is removed from the public areas. “This creates an added sense of privacy, in addition to
the single rooms. It can be disconcerting to hear strange voices right outside of your living area,” said Phred.
The passkey also allows easy access without having to deal with a lock and key—it opens the door upon the
holder’s approach, so no precise navigation is required. Each door is also inset to allow a person to count
alcoves as a way to find their room easily.
“Few people realize how hard our students work, physically, during their training here,” said Mike. “They walk
for hours a day while growing accustomed to their new guides. And these dogs aren’t slow!” To aid in
rehabilitation and comfort, the residence also features a relaxation area for the students, including a therapy
spa.
All in all, the new residence is a model of modern architecture—green, open, energy efficient—employing the
best of human ingenuity to accommodate our unique students. We’re proud of the design, and all of the
important considerations and elements that went into creating this unique facility. It is a perfect mix of
functionality and aesthetics, with everyone’s point of view taken into consideration. Yes, that means each
room has its own luxurious dog bed… They get tuckered out too.
Norah Hamilton Straus Donors' Circle Profile: Linda Becker
Longtime donor Linda Becker was one of the first GDB alumni to significantly contribute to the new student
residence project.
“I was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa in 1983. When you lose your sight, even the simplest of tasks can
become challenging and time consuming. Years later, with the support and encouragement of my family and
friends, I went to GDB’s Oregon campus for training. I met my first guide dog, Lyla, on July 4th, 2003,
Independence Day, which seemed very fitting. Not only did I come home with one of the most highly trained
dogs, but I also learned how to navigate uncharted waters and take control of my life in a safe and
independent way. GDB empowers us to make big decisions and take calculated risks, and for many people
that jolt of inspiration and confidence comes at exactly the right time when working with a guide dog.
“I believe that Guide Dogs for the Blind is the best school in the world and is always on the cutting edge and
state of the art training for dogs and students. My current guide dog, Anchorage, is my steadfast, stalwart and
constant companion; together we navigate unknown waters. He is by my side, ever present, ever faithful and
always giving me strength and joy. He is my fellow traveler down this road of blindness and as long as he is
with me, I know we can meet any challenge that lies ahead. Anchorage is my hero because he does his job—
he does what he was born to do. And he does it with such heart and unconditional love! If I can live as
exuberantly and love as boundlessly as Lyla and Anchorage do, I will have led a successful life.”
Donor Quotes
“Back in 1989, my husband Gerry Jaffe and I visited the campus on our way to Lake Tahoe. We were
delighted with what we heard and saw and have been supporters of GDB since that time. It gives me great
pleasure knowing that I am contributing to an organization where the dogs make a difference in someone’s
life. Supporting the new student residence is important to me because it creates a nurturing environment for
the new guide dog team.”
—Vicki Jaffe
“I first became involved with GDB through my nephew when he received his first guide dog. I was meeting
him for dinner and as I waited in my parked car for him to return to his apartment after work, I was in awe of
how he walked down the street with confidence and independence with his guide. Since then, I have been a
GDB board member and a member of the Sierra Nevada Friends Committee. I am proud to be able to
contribute to such a worthy project as the new student residence as I know how important this dormitory is to
those who stay there.”
—Doug Unger
“Even though we live in Seattle, as puppy raisers we often visit the California campus for events like puppy
raising Fun Days and graduations. The campus is so beautiful and we feel a connection to it, especially since
it is where our first puppy graduated. We recognized that the old dorm was aging, and some of our friends
who are guide dog users shared how the facilities needed to be modernized to keep up with the times as well
as what other guide dog schools offer to their clients. So, when the call went out for donations to complete the
new student residence, we both knew that this was a cause we wanted to support. We also did so in honor of
our first guide dog puppy, Phil, who recently passed away after being a working guide dog for a number of
years.”
—Kelli and Don Reiter
“As guardians of a GDB breeder and a family of puppy raisers, it was only logical that we contribute to the
new student residence: the place where our work is completed, a magical partnership begins, and a guide
dog team is graduated.”
—Elizabeth Cella
Happenings
2012 Festive Holiday Luncheon
Spirits were high in December at GDB’s 36th annual Festive Holiday Luncheon held at the Westin St. Francis
Hotel on Union Square in San Francisco. More than 700 people joined us as we ushered in the holidays with
inspirational stories and plenty of puppy love. The luncheon’s program featured a guidework training
demonstration, a puppy delivery, and an inspirational keynote address by GDB alumnus Jake Olson with his
guide dog Quebec that brought the crowd to its feet with a standing ovation. The program closed with the
ever-popular “puppy parade.” More than $158,000 was raised to support Guide Dogs for the Blind’s training
programs. A special thank you to the event’s corporate sponsors: Guardians—Bon Air Center, Dodge & Cox.
Benefactors—Hood & Strong LLP, Kiewit Infrastructure Group. Patrons—Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
LLP, Westamerica Bank, World Products Foundation.
Save the Date
 Pinot & Pups Wine Gala: Portland, OR; Saturday, May 11, 2013
 Dogs with Hearts of Gold IV: Reno, NV; Sunday, June 9, 2013
 Canine Heroes Wine Auction: Napa Valley, CA; Saturday, September 28, 2013
 Festive Holiday Luncheon: San Francisco, CA; Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Visit guidedogs.com/events for more info.
Donor Profiles
Dr. S.J. Hazan
For Dr. S.J. Hazan, of Las Vegas, Nev. (right) a gift to the new student residence is a way to honor his
parents, who came to this country from Turkey at the turn of the century. It is also a way to honor his aunt,
who was blind. This is not unusual for Dr. Hazan: philanthropy and honoring family has defined his life. Dr.
Hazan, who enjoyed a distinguished medical career in the military, private practice, and in the pharmaceutical
industry, has made significant gifts in memory of his parents to fund scholarships at notable medical
organizations as well.
Dr. Hazan chose GDB because he was touched by the trainers he saw working guides every day when he
lived in Marin County. “I know my parents and aunt would be very happy to know that my gift will increase the
comfort and support of so many Guide Dog for the Blind students.” The Fireside Lounge in the new student
residence will be named in honor of Dr. Hazan and his parents.
The Hart Foundation
Many thanks to the Thelma B. and Thomas F. Hart Foundation of Reno, Nev., which pledged $1 million to the
new student residence campaign. Thelma and Tom, both now deceased, became acquainted with Guide
Dogs for the Blind in the early 1990s when they stopped by our campus in San Rafael for a tour one
afternoon while visiting the Bay Area. They were so impressed by what that they saw that they soon became
regular enthusiastic supporters of GDB.
The foundation, created after their deaths, has continued to make significant gifts to Guide Dogs for the Blind
to support various programs. In recognition of the gift and in memory of Thelma and Tom, the new building’s
outdoor stage will be named in their honor. Special thanks to the co-trustees of the Hart Foundation, Mark
Knobel, Esq. and Craig Karrasch, M.D., for making this gift possible. Mark hopes the gift will inspire
others to give to the campaign and noted how happy the Harts would be to support GDB and this very
worthwhile project.
Donor Wall
Donors of $1,000 or more will be recognized on a donor wall located in the building’s fireside lounge. The
donor wall will include an interactive audio component, ensuring that the contributor names are accessible to
all. Don’t miss the opportunity to have your name included in this exciting milestone in GDB’s history.
Call us at 800.295.4050 or visit our website at guidedogs.com/nsr to donate today.
Betty White
A Public Service Announcement
Recently Betty White celebrated her 91st birthday. Betty—from all of us connected to GDB, we wish you a
Happy Birthday! Betty was kind enough to record two invaluable public service announcements for GDB—
another generous showing of her longtime support. These PSAs will be seen nationwide starting this month,
introducing GDB and our mission to even more people, future students and future friends. Please visit our
website for links to the videos.
And the adorable pup selected for his national TV debut in the videos with Betty? It’s puppy Rhett, who is
being raised by longtime puppy raisers, Kent and Paulette Greenwald of San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
The Greenwalds have been involved with GDB for six years. “We were fortunate to have our second dog,
Redwood, graduate. Attending the graduation ceremony was the most rewarding and humbling experience.
We were blessed to have the opportunity of handing Redwood, as he so proudly wore his harness, to his new
handler. We cheered him on, with great pride, as they began the next chapter in their lives. As it’s often said
by puppy raisers that these amazing dogs come into our lives for a short while and as we say goodbye we
know that they leave paw prints in our hearts.”
Rhett is the Greenwald’s fourth and current puppy. “Rhett, as all the other dogs before him, has given us a
whole new perspective of the blindness community,” said Paulette. “If someone would like to become a puppy
raiser we would share with them how rewarding it is to be part of the team giving someone new-found
independence.”
Two Ways to Leave a Legacy
1. Include GDB in Your Estate Plan
It’s easy! You can:
 Bequest a gift to GDB in your will or trust
 Name GDB as a beneficiary in your life insurance policy
 Make GDB a beneficiary of your IRA
Let us know you have done so by calling, emailing or notifying us on our website,
www.guidedogs.com.
There is no need to specify the type or amount of the gift you designate in your estate.
2. Donate Cash or Stock and Receive Income for Life
Under GDB’s Gift Annuity Program you’ll receive:
 A fixed income for life
 A charitable income tax deduction
 Partial tax-free income
 Attractive rates based on your age
You Can Make a Difference!
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Send a donation today
To send a contribution of any type or amount, please use our special mailing address for donations
only: Guide Dogs for the Blind, P.O. Box 3950, San Rafael, CA 94912-3950. You can also donate at
our secure website: www.guidedogs.com.
Eliminate checks and postage
Direct your bank to automatically transfer your donation; we’ll send you a year-end letter of
confirmation.
Make an Honor or Memorial gift
Pay tribute to a friend, relative or pet; we will send cards of celebration or sympathy in your name.
Create a Legacy in your estate plan
Make a lasting commitment by naming GDB in your will, trust, or as a beneficiary of your annuity, life
insurance policy, IRA or retirement plan. We honor such commitments with membership in our
Legacy Society.
Designate your gift
Designate your donation to go toward a specific GDB program. Visit the “Case for Giving” section of
our website for more info.
For more information on any of these giving options, please contact our Development Department at (800)
295-4050.