GDB Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2015

GDB Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2015

MEET FERDIE

An Introduction

Allow me to introduce you to Ferdinand (aka Ferdie), a GDB puppy with a compelling story to share. The lives he touches and the impact he has on the world during his journey from puppy to guide show the broad array of people who contribute to the success of one single puppy and his visually impaired partner. Ferdie and his partner, Sarah, are special indeed, but more importantly, their story is emblematic of every single team that GDB sends into the world, each with their own equally vast community of support and impact. It’s a story about the power of partnership, and it’s the story of family. Thank you for being a part of it.

Christine Benninger

President and CEO

• Photo: President and Christine Benninger
• Infographic: All of GDB’s services are provided free of charge.

Breeding: Welcome, Ferdie!

Ferdinand, like all guide dog puppies, was born at GDB’s California campus. The staff of our Breeding, Veterinary, and Canine Welfare/Neonatal Departments all worked to ensure that Ferdie and his six littermates were healthy and happy right from the start.

He was also pampered by our volunteer puppy socializers, who not only ensured that Ferdie received ample amounts of cuddling, but gently introduced him to all sorts of sights, sounds, people, and surfaces to ready him for the first year of his life with his puppy raiser.

Ferdie’s mama is a black Lab named Norma, who lives in the home of the Burns Family — GDB breeder dog custodian volunteers. The Burns got involved with GDB thanks to a friendship with Megan Minkiewicz, who became Ferdinand’s volunteer puppy raiser.

• Quote: “Being breeder custodians means that we care for Norma, providing for her needs — food, exercise, etc. She in turn gives us all kinds of love and has become a member of our family.” —Volunteer Allison Burns
• Photo: Volunteer custodians Tom, Allison, and Colleen Burns with Norma
• Infographic: GDB receives no government funding; we are funded entirely by private donations.

Puppy Raising: Raising Ferdie

Ferdinand’s first foray into the big wide world was a road trip in GDB’s puppy truck, which transported him to meet Megan in Bend, Oregon. With Megan, Ferdie spent the next year learning all of the foundational skills that would prepare him for success as a guide dog.

Megan taught him good house manners, and took him on adventures far and wide to make certain he was familiar, comfortable, and confident in a variety of environments.

“Ferdinand was the tenth guide dog puppy that I raised for GDB, and I think he’s exceptional for a number of reasons,” Megan said. “First, it was special for me to raise one of Norma’s puppies since Allison Burns, Norma’s custodian, is a longtime friend. Also, thanks to Ferdinand, I have a few new dear friends in my life, including the woman he was matched with, Sarah Outwater, and the GDB donor who was their sponsor, Marion Charlston. Those relationships mean a lot to me, all courtesy of the Ferdinand connection.”

• Quote: “I like to call Ferdinand ‘Mr. Perfect.’ He came to me at 8 weeks old and was perfect from day one. He had just this amazing personality and was willing to do whatever you asked of him.” Puppy Raiser Megan Minkiewicz
• Photo: Puppy raiser Megan Minkiewicz and Ferdie
• Infographic: Our extensive network of volunteers welcome dogs into their homes, help out on campus and at events, and in many other ways.

Guide Dog Training: Training Ferdie

At 15 months old, Ferdie had seen and experienced so much of the world in Megan’s care that he was ready for his next adventure: formal guide dog training. With a few tears of joy and some whispered words of encouragement from Megan, Ferdinand arrived at GDB’s Oregon campus to meet a new contingent of people committed to his success.

GDB’s Training Department staff made sure Ferdie was comfortable and thriving in his new environment, and the Veterinary team made sure he had a clean bill of health. He met and fell in love with his trainer, Jaymin Nowland, a guide dog mobility instructor who would teach Ferdie all of the specific skills it takes to safely guide a person who is blind. Ferdinand was learning to do the job for which he had been preparing his whole life. And he was ready. Ferdie sailed through his training with Jaymin, sealing his future to be a guide dog.

• Quote: “Ferdinand had the sense of fun and joy in life found in a teenager paired with the sensibilities of an old soul.” Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Jaymin Nowland
• Photo: Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Jaymin Nowland with another black Lab guide dog in training.
• Infographic: All of GDB’s training utilizes positive reinforcement techniques.

Class Experience: Creating a Partnership

With his formal guidework training finalized, it was time for Ferdinand to be paired with the perfect partner. He was matched with Sarah Outwater of Cambridge, Massachusetts, who was enrolled in a class at GDB to get her fourth guide dog.

Under Jaymin’s instruction, Ferdinand and Sarah spent two weeks learning to work together as a team. They trained in conditions that would echo their real life — navigating city streets, riding public transportation, visiting shops and stores — all while enjoying the camaraderie of their classmates and the amenities of life on campus.

“Ferdinand and I were part of an incredibly wonderful class — everyone was so supportive of one another, which to me, is the epitome of the guide dog lifestyle,” Sarah said. As for Ferdie, “I quickly learned that he is an excellent decision maker and problem solver. His inquisitive nature and eagerness to learn are qualities that make him an incredible guide.”

Ferdinand and Sarah graduated in August of 2014, and Ferdie’s circle of influence continued to grow. Ferdinand’s puppy raiser, Megan, was there to celebrate, and the new team was sponsored by GDB donor Marion Charlston of Edmonds, Washington, who had met Ferdie as a puppy.

• Quote: “When I met Ferdinand, he immediately flopped over on his back and put his paws up around my hand. And that was it—he had my heart.” GDB Alumna Sarah Outwater
• Photo: Sarah Outwater and Ferdinand

Life After Graduation: Exploring the World

With their training complete, Ferdinand and Sarah departed GDB to start their life together back in Cambridge. But it wasn’t just goodbye and good luck — Ferdie and Sarah will have GDB’s support throughout their time together.

“Having the chance to get up everyday and weave my way through crazy Boston streets, get on and off subways, get on and off planes, or go to a random city for my job… for somebody with sight, that might not seem like such a challenge, but I can’t imagine doing it without this partner by my side” Sarah said. “I have had the most incredible travel companions, thanks to Guide Dogs for the Blind. Being able to pick up that harness and say ‘Forward’ is the most freeing thing that I’ve ever experienced.”

Sarah and Ferdie’s future is off to a great start — Sarah got married this past year (Ferdie was the Dog of Honor), fast friendships have been formed, and many miles of safe travel are already behind them. And yet, this is only the beginning. We can’t wait to follow the rest of their journey. Happy trails, Ferdie and Sarah!

• Quote: “It takes a lot of love, hard work, and generosity on the part of so many people to raise and train a guide dog team. So from the donors and puppy raisers, to the volunteers and staff, I hope every step that Ferdinand and I take together says thank you for giving me my freedom, my independence, and the ability to go make my own joy in this world.” Sarah Outwater
• Photo: Sarah Outwater and Ferdinand
• Infographic: GDB provides our graduates with a lifetime of support:
• In-person follow-up visits
• Access to a dedicated support center
• A world-class alumni association
• Financial assistance for veterinary care, as needed
• Infographic: One guide dog touches more than 10,000 lives (GDB staff, volunteers, alumni, donors, friends, family and colleagues, the community).
• Infographic: Sarah and Ferdinand are one of more than 2,200 active guide dog teams throughout the United States and Canada.

Our Financials – June 30, 2015

Where our funding comes from:

• Planned Gifts 37%
• Contributions 34%
• Investment Income 26%
• Other Revenue 3%

How it is used:

• Programs & Services 85%
• Development 10%
• Administration 5%

Statement of Activities (in thousands)

For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2015
Support and Revenue / Unrestricted / Temporarily
Restricted / Permanently
Restricted / Total / June 30, 2014 Summarized
Fundraising:
Contributions / $9,726 / $4,306 / $4 / $14,036 / $6,681
Bequests and trusts / 13,956 / 1,934 / 72 / 15,962 / 19,569
Special Events
(Includes In-Kind Income of $179 and $172) / 1,276 / 1,276 / 1,001
Less: Special Event Costs
(Includes In-Kind Expenses of $179 and $172) / (574) / (574) / (527)
Total Fundraising / 24,384 / 6,240 / 76 / 30,700 / 26,724
Other Income:
Investment Income, net / 10,729 / 325 / 11,054 / 43,614
Change in value of planned gifts / (186) / (186) / 684
Other / 1,763 / 1,763 / 1,393
Total Other Income / 12,492 / 139 / - / 12,631 / 45,691
Total Revenue and Support / 36,876 / 6,379 / 76 / 43,331 / 72,415
Net assets released from restrictions / 5,047 / (5,047) / - / -
Total Support, Revenue and Net Assets
Released from Restrictions / 41,923 / 1,332 / 76 / 43,331 / 72,415
Expenses
Program services / 28,567 / 28,567 / 26,289
Management and general / 1,550 / 1,550 / 2,823
Development / 3,496 / 3,496 / 3,658
Total Expenses / 33,613 / 33,613 / 32,770
Change in Net Assets / 8,310 / 1,332 / 76 / 9,718 / 39,645
Net Assets - beginning of year / 343,530 / 9,122 / 9,894 / 362,546 / 322,901
Net Assets - end of year / $351,840 / $10,454 / $9,970 / $372,264 / $362,546

Statement of Financial Position (in thousands)

June 30
Assets / 2015 / 2014
Cash and cash equivalents / $822 / $661
Accounts receivable / 6 / 118
Notes receivable, current / 62 / 204
Bequests and pledges receivable, current / 1,865 / 501
Prepaid expenses and other assets / 750 / 678
Notes receivable, net / 640 / 702
Bequests and pledges receivable, net / 978 / 970
Investments / 344,250 / 344,668
Planned gifts / 8,845 / 9,222
Deferred loan issuance costs, net / 284 / 309
Property, plant, and equipment, net / 30,233 / 31,372
Total Assets / $388,735 / $379,405

Statement of Financial Position (in thousands), continued

June 30
Liabilities and Net Assets / 2015 / 2014
Liabilities:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses / $2,156 / $2,165
Current portion of loan payable / 194 / 186
Deferred revenue / 148 / 152
Obligations under annuity agreements / 4,545 / 4,732
Loan payable, net / 9,428 / 9,624
Total Liabilities / 16,471 / 16,859
Net Assets:
Board designated / 327,941 / 319,876
Other unrestricted / 23,899 / 23,654
Temporarily restricted / 10,454 / 9,122
Permanently restricted / 9,970 / 9,894
Total Net Assets / 372,264 / 362,546
Total Liabilities and Net Assets / $388,735 / $379,405

Note: These financial statements are incomplete. A complete copy of the audited financial statement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015 is available at guidedogs.com.

A History of Giving, Fiscal Year July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015

Your generosity allows us to continue to support our clients, our dogs, and our communities.

Quotes and photos included throughout the donor list:

• BILL AND DEBRA GERSHEN, Rancho Santa Fe, California: “We support GDB because we see our donation put to work immediately in the partnership of a guide dog team.”
• DAN L’ABBE, San Francisco, California: “I donate because I think in life you should always look forward and GDB leads people forward in their lives.”
• DAVE AND SUSAN GERKE, Laguna Niguel, California: “We are inspired by the bond between guides and humans. GDB does an amazing job preparing both for the partnership.”
• TERRY AND KELLY UHLING, Sun Valley, Idaho: “Our love of dogs and helping people are what draw us to support GDB – it’s just a great organization.”
• BOB BURKE, GDB BOARD CHAIR, Lafayette, California: “I support GDB because of their exceptional client services as well as their skill in preparing the dogs to be guides.”
• HEATHER CONRADT, Portland, Oregon: “As puppy raisers and donors, supporting GDB has taught my family the value of giving back.”
• BRIAN ROBEY, Alaska Airlines Director of Baggage Performance: “Partnering with GDB is a natural fit. At the core, we both care about people and the communities we serve.”
• JAY HARRIS, GDB BOARD MEMBER, Sacramento, California: “GDB is the best at producing partnerships that allow people who are blind to experience our optimal independence.”
• MEGAN MINKIEWICZ, Bend, Oregon: “These dogs give so much of themselves; knowing that they will always receive the best care is why I donate.”
• WALLIS “WALLY” SMITH, San Rafael, California: “Seeing the freedom a guide dog provides to a person who is visually impaired is why I support GDB.”
• MARION CHARLSTON, Edmonds, Washington: “Years ago my husband and I learned that GDB was helping soldiers blinded in WWII and we’ve been supporters ever since.”
• LINDA PETERSON ZUBER, Tigard, Oregon: “I’m a Legacy member and after attending a recent graduation, it made me even more dedicated to continuing my support.”

Presidents Circle Donors July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015

GDB is proud to announce that our generous major donors will now be recognized through the newly-formed President’s Circle (formerly the Norah Hamilton Straus Major Donors Circle). Membership in the President’s Circle is reserved for those donors contributing $5,000 or more each fiscal year (renewed annually).

SOUL MATES: $100,000+

Alex Aal

Anonymous

Bruce and Jane Bohman

Janice Bohman and Eric Keller

Julie Burnet

Mr. Petros Dermetzis & Mrs. Mar Cano

Hind Foundation

Melvin and Geraldine Hoven Foundation

Mrs. Betty White Ludden

Merial Limited

Petco Foundation

Ralph B. Rogers Foundation

Richard F. Aster Jr. Foundation

The ROMA Foundation

Patricia K. Scott

Wallis Smith

Mrs. Peri N. Urvek

HEROES: $50,000+

Elizabeth A. Gard & Thomas J. Furlong

The William and Debra Gershen Foundation

Hedinger Family Foundation

Daniel L’Abbe & John Henning

Natural Balance

Mr. James E. Oliver, Jr.

Portland Business Journal

Mr. & Mrs. Koerner and Sandy Rombauer

PARTNERS: $25,000+

Anonymous (2)

Associated Building Materials

Martha Boccalini

Carl E. Wynn Foundation

Mrs. Marion F. Charlston

The Danford Foundation

Ruth Ann and Mark Dodson

Carolyn M. Grimm

Charles N. Mathewson Charitable Lead Trust

Arlene Schnitzer

Stripe

Subaru of America, Inc.

Suburban Chevrolet

The Green Foundation

Mary Witkowski

Wood-Claeyssens Foundation

COMPANIONS: $10,000+

Joseph and Ellen Aguirre

Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP

John and Erika Ammirati

Anonymous (3)

Robert and Margaret Barbour

Mrs. Roland Barthelemy

Bebe

Bergen Foundation

Gary Bier

Dawn Yates Black

Joan Boyd

Jamie Carr

Clark Foundation

Clark-Janis Foundation

Colombo Charitable Trust

Rena and Sami David

Gil and Lynne De Vincenzi

Delta Gamma Foundation

Dwight Stuart Youth Fund

The Edward and Romell Ackley Foundation

Elia Gurvetch Vision Assistance Fund

Epic Roasthouse & Waterbar

Donald and Katharine Epstein

Christina Federlein

The Festoon Foundation Inc.

Kathy A. Friebel

George and Mary Josephine Hamman Foundation

George H. Sandy Foundation

Barbara J. Gicquel

The William G. Gilmore Foundation

Linda & Dale Glasser

Hair of the Dog Brewing Co.

Mrs. Lyndsey Harrison

The Ann Jackson Family Foundation

Camille and David Jassny

Warren and Cherie Johnson

Len & Nancy Joseph

Emily G. Kahn

Kaiser Permanente

Kiewit Infrastructure West Co.

Monica Krick

Catherine M. Kruttschnitt

Mr. Tom La Tour

Thomas W. Little

Mr. Lance Mansbridge

Marc Glassman, Inc.

Marmot

Theresa McCarthy

The McDonald Family Foundation

Tom and Maureen McMullen

Mr. & Mrs. A. E. Michelbacher

Megan and Alex Minkiewicz

Hilda Namm

Shantanu and Reni Narayan

Northwest Natural Gas Company

Andrei Olenicoff Memorial Foundation

Robert and Valerie Peebles

Margaret H. Peters

Phoenix Lubrication Services, Inc.

Poindexter Foundation, Inc.

Poznanski Family Foundation

Donald and Janice Provan

Shirley Ramirez

Richter Farms

Tamah Roby

Shirley Santiago

Dr. Scholl Foundation

Allan and Nari Scholl

Ira and Beverly Schulman

The Seattle Foundation

Mrs. Carol M. Spivak

Tee Off For Dogs

Mrs. Katrin Theodoli

Charles N. Travers

Debbie & Ian Walker

Walter J. & Holly O. Thomson Fund

The Suzi Whitehead Memorial

Ms. Elaine Wilderman

Mr. Jaime S. Winkler

Jean Ho Woo

Evelyn Worthington

Margaret Zivelonghi

FRIENDS: $5,000+

Ada and Everett Johnson Charitable Trust

AJA Charitable Fund

Alaska Airlines

Christina Alatorre

Donna Alger

American Century Investments Foundation

Ames-Fluhrer Charitable Fund

Amgen Foundation

Anonymous (5)

Bailey Family Foundation

Robert and Sharon Bailey

Jeanne Baker

Don & Kelly Bass

Vicky and Marshall Berol

Susan Blakey

Rochelle and Steve Bochner

Mr. John D. Boich

Bruce and Barbara Boyles

Frank and Lorraine Brady

Janet Brown

Ann Burchill

Mrs. & Mr. Sigrid Button

Callan Associates

Karen Carbon

Checkster LLC

Kelly Clark

Cognex Corporation

Mr. Robert J. Cresta

Crowe Horwath

Judy Curley-Ranzer

Dimensions in Travel

Dodge & Cox

Kathy Donoghue-Okada

Sally Dungan

Willard L. Eccles Foundation

Ed & Grace Ehrman

The Eleanor Hutchinson Parker Foundation, Inc.

Elite Island Resorts

Mr. Harold Ellis

Jan Evans

Stephen & Suzanne Fisher

Fraternal Order of Eagles

Wayne and Sarah Gabel

Mrs. & Mr. Susan and David Gerke

Gianni’s Italian Bistro

Leesa Gidaro

Robert and Margie Giles

Mr. Sam Glick

Mr. & Mr. Greg Goodwin

Jeff and Jeannie Gretz

Grosvenor Capital Management LP

Guggenheim Partners Asset Mgmt. Inc.

Connie Hawkins

Hays A. McLellan Fund

Kathy Herman

Hertz Equipment Rental Corportation

Highbridge Capital Management, LLC

Mrs. Diana Hirzel

Kristin Hite

Cathy Hofmann & Andrew Dewsnup

Kathryn Hollingsworth

Honey Pot Fund of The Oregon Community Foundation

John Howard

IBM Employee Services Center