Fall 2015
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc.
www.fidelco.org
Fall 2015
Alone we can do so little;
together we can do so much.
The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in
Bloomfield, CT. Fidelco is an internationally accredited organization and
an admired expert throughout the world for its highly valued German
Shepherd Guide Dogs.
Each Fidelco Guide Dog takes two years, 15,000 hours, and $45,000 to
produce. They are given to clients at no cost. Fidelco provides 24/7 client
support for the entire working life of its guide dogs – typically 10 years.
Fidelco relies solely on the generosity and financial support of individuals,
foundations, corporations, and civic organizations to help Share the Vision®.
Fidelco has trained and placed over 1,400 German Shepherd Guide Dogs
throughout North America – in 41 states and five Canadian provinces. Fidelco
pioneered In-Community Placement in the United States — a process that
allows all guide dog users to be trained in the communities where they live
and work.
Fidelco also has placed hundreds of its German Shepherd Dogs with
law enforcement agencies, first responders and search-and-rescue and
missing-child recovery organizations to help protect our fellow citizens
and keep our communities safe.
~Helen Keller
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, Inc.
103 Vision Way
Bloomfield, CT 06002
(860) 243-5200
www.fidelco.org
Graphic Designer: Kristine Fletcher
Editor: Audrey Alt
Cover Photography: Karen Elliott
Donations to Fidelco are deductible as charitable contributions on
a donor’s federal income tax return. Please consult your tax advisor
for specific details.
Do you know someone who is blind and is interested in applying for a
guide dog? Contact Fidelco at 860-243-5200 or [email protected].
© 2015 All rights reserved. Reproduction or other use, in
whole or in part, without written permission is prohibited.
Cover photo: Fidelco client and Paralympian Jacqueline Rennebohm and her guide dog Jewel
FidelcoNews Fall 2015
Donate securely at www.fidelco.org
A Loving Community
As Fidelco’s community
transitions from a summer
of fun and sun into New
England’s colorful and cooler
fall season of thanksgiving,
hope, and renewal, our work
takes on special meaning.
In the spirit of Helen Keller’s inviting and
compelling challenge, The New York Times
best-selling author and blockbuster film director
Tom Shadyac (Life’s Operating Manual and
Patch Adams) wrote that true success is
intrinsic in communities with kindness and
love as core values.
While many of our clients cannot see the annual
signs of autumn – the reappearance of harvest
festivals and the stunning, natural beauty of
red, orange, and yellow leaves – it is because of
Fidelco’s kind and loving community of donors,
volunteers, and staff that our blind clients can
share in all daily routines and celebrate some
extraordinary adventures.
As we gather with family and friends to enjoy
the bounties of fall and to celebrate the holiday
season, I’m inviting everyone to reflect upon the
amazing things that we’ve accomplished so far
this year as a kind and loving community. Our
clients successfully travel near and far with
great confidence, poise and safety – with their
loving and loyal Fidelco German Shepherd
Guide Dogs leading the way – because of our
community’s commitment to its core values of
kindness and love.
I’m also writing to remind us all of the great and
unending work ahead to bring more joy and hope
to Fidelco’s community of blind clients. We can
only accomplish this with your kind, loving, and
generous support.
Eliot D. Russman
President and CEO
“As I approach my ninetieth year…
Fidelco and my four guide dogs have
been a godsend to me…my life has
been fuller and richer…and blessed.”
–Fidelco client Winnifred Judge
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Losing Her Sight, But Not Her Vision
Every day, Jacqueline Rennebohm
loses more of her sight; one day,
she’ll be completely blind.
Since her diagnosis of cone-rod dystrophy
at age 9, she’s been determined to live life “like
anybody else.” So Jacqueline got involved in
sports—and she hasn’t looked back.
A two-sport athlete, Jacqueline found ways
to adapt to allow for safety and maintain
competitiveness in both swimming and track
and field. She swam for Team Canada in the
2008 Paralympics in Beijing and ran track and
field in the 2011 Parapan American Games in
Guadalajara. Although Jacqueline no longer
competes, she engages in public speaking
events that promote disability and sport and is
often asked why she chose a guide dog instead
of a white cane. She explains, “All of my life
I have been adapting to vision loss. Being
completely blind is a world I do not know,
and my guide dog is the only thing I know for
certain will be by my side when I cross over
into blindness. This comforts me as I get closer
to crossing that line because I cannot imagine
interacting with a world without color and light.
“It is this consistency I need the most for
achieving true independence. Therefore, my
Fidelco Guide Dog is a true gift, and I am
thankful Fidelco’s mission stretches far beyond
Connecticut – and into Canada. Further, I am
grateful for the support from Fidelco’s staff and
donors, who continue to make a difference in
my life and other clients’ lives.”
Jacqueline’s Fidelco Guide Dog, Jewel, is her
biggest cheerleader and most loyal supporter.
With Jewel by her side, Jacqueline is ready to
take on the future, whatever that may hold for
these incredible and inspiring partners.
Like many recent college graduates,
Jacqueline isn’t quite sure what’s
next. Nor does she know what
complete blindness is going to be
like. But having a Fidelco Guide
Dog by her side makes facing her
future easier, because Jacqueline
knows and trusts her dog.
Jacqueline and Jewel
FidelcoNews Fall 2015
Donate securely at www.fidelco.org
Chaz Davis
Jacqueline Rennebohm
Barry Weatherall and Owen
Support Team Fidelco and captains,
Jacqueline Rennebohm, Barry Weatherall, and
University of Hartford student and blind Paralympian Chaz Davis.
Donate today at www.fidelco.org/TeamFidelco.
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A Community of Support – Our Clients
“I am grateful because I don’t believe I would
have the position I have today in Washington if
it were not for my Fidelco Guide Dog Osbourne.”
Janet LaBreck was appointed by the President
of the United States to Commissioner of the
Rehabilitative Services Administration for the
Department of Education. She is the former
Commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission
for the Blind, a position first held by Helen Keller.
A Pittsfield, Mass., native, Janet became blind
at the age of 10. Osbourne is her second Fidelco
Guide Dog. Janet was the keynote speaker at
Fidelco’s recent Donor Appreciation event.
Janet and Osbourne
“Fidelco Guide Dogs have helped me get through some
very tough times after my blindness. I have had guide
dogs for a long time and don’t know where I would be
without their assistance.”
Ray and Bob
FidelcoNews Fall 2015
Ray Collins lost his eyesight after an automobile
accident in 1986. He’s been working with Fidelco
Guide Dogs for nearly 30 years, allowing him to rise
through the ranks of the Plymouth, Mass., County
Sheriff’s Department. Ray, who served in the United
States Marine Corps, came to Connecticut recently
to be the Grand Marshal of the Fifth Annual Ride
for Independence. Earlier in the summer, Ray also
was a guest judge at the Gengras Harley-Davidson
Chili Challenge; proceeds from that event benefited
Fidelco – and will help provide more clients with lifechanging Fidelco Guide Dogs.
Donate securely at www.fidelco.org
A Community of Support – Our Volunteers
“Volunteering at Fidelco gives me the
satisfaction of knowing I’m helping provide
blind clients with the ability to move freely
in the world.
“I feel privileged to be part of Fidelco and
am thankful for the opportunity to spend
time here each week.”
Nicki Pallone
Volunteer Receptionist
Nicki snuggles a six-week-old Fidelco puppy.
Volunteers support Fidelco at the Fifth Annual Ride for Independence motorcycle fundraiser.
Teenage volunteer counselors assist with the Dog
Days of Summer children’s program.
Jeb asked his friends and family to donate items to
Fidelco in lieu of presents for his 8th birthday.
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A Community of Support – Our Donors
Suburban Subaru,Vernon, Conn., and Subaru of America presented a check to Fidelco to support its
life-changing mission.The money was raised during Subaru of America’s annual “Share the Love” event.
Pete Krause, president of Suburban Subaru, selected Fidelco as his dealership’s “hometown charity.”
Last Spring, Thompson Brook School, Avon, Conn.,
held a “Name the Puppy” contest! The homeroom that
raised the most money for Fidelco received the privilege
of choosing a name for a puppy from the W-26 litter
(above). The winning homeroom chose the name “Willow.”
Pictured at right is the winning homeroom during a visit
from Fidelco’s Kane.
FidelcoNews Fall 2015
Donate securely at www.fidelco.org
Vantis Life Insurance, a Windsor, Conn.-based
company, is sponsoring a puppy through its twoyear journey to become a Fidelco Guide Dog. The
company naturally chose to name their puppy from
the V-26 litter “Vantis.” Pictured at right is Vantis with
Vantis Life Insurance President and CEO Peter Tedone.
“It is heartwarming to think that Vantis Life
will make a life-changing impact on a person
with visual impairment.”
Peter Tedone, President and CEO of Vantis Life Insurance
PAWS to PLEDGE during your employer’s fall workplace
giving campaigns to help Fidelco provide its life-changing
German Shepherd Guide Dogs to men and women who are
blind at no cost to them.
If your company offers employee giving programs, find
out how to enroll and designate Fidelco to receive your gift.
If you are pledging in a United Way campaign that allows
Open Choice, you can write in “Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation.”
Federal civilian, postal, and military personnel can Share the
Vision® by designating a gift to Fidelco through their 2015
CFC Campaign*.
*Fidelco is a member of the Animal Charities of America Federation – CFC #11513.
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Gifts That Give Back
Smile your way
through 2016 with
Fidelco’s beautiful,
full-color wall calendar.
Give joy to everyone
on your holiday list with
festive Fidelco cards.
Supplies are limited!
Order today:
www.fidelco.org
INSIDE MESSAGE:
Wishing you a holiday season
that is merry and bright!
Photo: Bark at the Moon Pet Photography
If you’re looking for unique gift ideas this holiday season, look no further!
Toast your friends
and family this
holiday season
with a bottle of
Fidelco Estates
Wines. These
thoughtful gifts
are perfect additions
to every holiday
table. Cheers!
www.benefitwines.com/fidelco
www.charitywicks.com/fidelco
Share the Vision® and share the light with six fabulous scents to warm your home. These candles
make great gifts for family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers while benefiting a great cause!
FidelcoNews Fall 2015
Donate securely at www.fidelco.org
Give the gift of a kennel mural. Our
kennel is taking on a bright new look!
Original, hand-painted full-wall kennel
murals, including your name or brief
message, are now available. At left, Vega
checks out the handiwork.
Increase your impact. Check with your employer
about a matching gift program that may double your gift!
Put stock in Fidelco. A gift of appreciated securities
could be the ideal way to give at year’s end; ask your
financial advisor if this option makes sense for you.
Plan on it. A commitment to donate monthly to Fidelco
gives you the assurance you are making a difference
every day of the year.
Leave a legacy. The Vision Society recognizes the
generosity of our dedicated friends who provide for
Fidelco through their estate plans.
Get more information. To learn more about the
multitude of ways to support Fidelco’s life-changing
mission, contact Doug Nelson, Vice President/Director
of Development, at (860) 243-4050 or Susan Greer,
Associate Director of Development, at (860) 243-4043.
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Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation
103 Vision Way
Bloomfield, CT 06002
www.fidelco.org
Every gift helps support our guide dogs.
Donate today. It’s easy and secure.
www.fidelco.org
Photo by Kathryn Schauer Photography