08/04/2026
In June 2019, 17-year-old Alex Powell of McHenry tragically lost his life in a car accident at Glacial Park. His beloved dog, Dresden, and his close friend survived. Just weeks before the accident, Alex had enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as a poolee, answering the call to serve his country.
Alex was known for his love of family, his devotion to his dog, and his unwavering desire to serve others. To honor his memory and preserve his legacy, our family created this annual event in partnership with K9s for Veterans, an organization whose mission reflects the values Alex held close to his heart: loyalty, courage, companionship, and service.
Every donation we receive helps provide highly trained service dogs to veterans who are living with the physical and emotional wounds of military service. These remarkable dogs offer comfort, support, independence, and renewed hope to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country.
The cost of training, caring for, and placing a service dog can be substantial, which is why every raffle basket, gift card, sponsorship, and monetary donation makes a difference. Simply put, the more we raise, the more veterans we can help.
By supporting this event, you are not only honoring Alex’s memory but also helping create life-changing partnerships between veterans and the dogs who will stand faithfully beside them.
Together, we can continue Alex’s legacy of love, service, and compassion—one veteran and one K-9 at a time. 🤍
Please reach out to me if you feel called to support this cause. Cash/Zelle/Donations or spreading the word helps us out.
