A Fulton organization is gaining steam to raise funds to replace a service dog.
The Fulton VFW has been working to raise money to replace 7-year-old Addison Hartman's service dog. Keeper, the dog that used to alert her of dangerous blood sugar levels, was killed last month by an errant driver.
Upon hearing the news, members of the VFW and Men's Auxiliary jumped into action and have been pleased with the results.
"Right now we're at $7,400, and that doesn't include any of the auction items. I'm pleased with the help we're getting," Men's Auxiliary President Steve Harding said. "I'm really hoping that we get what they need."
Through donations from individuals, businesses and members, the organizations have already been able to see an outpouring of support for the Hartman family.
"We've all said it restores our faith in human beings because the community has responded so well," Harding said. "I've got people wanting to help that I didn't even know."
The biggest fundraising event, a silent auction and carnival, was planned nearly a month ago. Today, the organizations will be hosting a plethora of events in an effort to raise the remaining funds to help purchase the new service dog named Radar.
At the event, food will be served from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the VFW Post, 505 Collier Lane. Activities and carnival style booths for kids will be open until 3 p.m., a silent auction will be held until 2:30 p.m. and there will be a live auction at 3 p.m.
Harding said he's planning for a significant turn out at today's event.
"We're planning on serving 400 people," he said. "It's going to be really incredible."
Another activity Harding said will be popular is the head shaving. As an incentive, several men in the community have pledged to shave their heads when certain fundraising milestones are reached. Two members shaved their head earlier this month, and two more will go under the razor today at 2 p.m..
Addison's mother, Melinda, and her family are excited to meet Radar, who is in the final weeks of training.
"It's really exciting knowing that soon she'll have her freedom back with getting the dog. All she keeps doing is counting down the days," she said. "We still have two weeks before we get him. (The trainer's) at the final stage where she trains Radar specifically on Addison's scent."
The generosity from the community has been overwhelming, Hartman said.
"That's what's amazing. (Some of these) people don't even know us. There are many good-hearted people out there," she said. "(After this experience), my goal is to sometime turn around and help someone out. We will always be forever grateful for everyone's help in making this happen."
All are invited to attend the carnival today and meet the Hartman family.
"It's exciting knowing (at the event) we get to meet a lot of the people that have helped," Hartman said. "There's good people out there, and this is proof of it."