ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Through her love for animals and veterans across Florida, a 14-year-old from Ponte Vedra Beach helped raise more than $10,000 for veterans.
Mea Kay, a Junior member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 233 in Ponte Vedra Beach, decided to begin working on the special project in June of 2023 to support K-9Line Inc., a nonprofit organization in Edgewater, Florida, that provides service dogs and training to veterans at no cost.
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Kay formulated a fundraising strategy, securing unanimous support from her unit and the wider community, according to a press release.
Over 13 months, Kay organized a variety of events, such as yard sales, lemonade stands, and dinners, to raise funds. She also set up informational booths and presented her project to local groups, successfully raising $10,091.50, which she presented to K-9Line Inc. on August 4, 2024.
The American Legion Auxiliary, founded in 1919, is a community of volunteers serving veterans, military, and their families. ALA members assist veterans in hospitals, advocate for veteran issues, support therapeutic creative arts festivals, distribute poppies for remembrance, and much more. In addition to serving the military community, the American Legion Auxiliary hosts ALA Girls Nation and the ALA Girls State programs that teach future leaders about government and civic responsibility. Learn more at www.ALAforVeterans.org and @ALAforVeterans on Instagram, X, and Facebook.