Shelter to Soldier’s Annual Be the Light Gala
An Evening of Purpose and Possibility
You are warmly invited to join in an unforgettable evening dedicated to hope, healing, and the life-changing bond between a veteran and a rescue dog. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean at the elegant L’Auberge Pacific Terrace, Shelter to Soldier’s annual Be the Light Benefit Gala on Sunday August 24 is a night where stories come to life – and where every moment supports our mission of Saving Lives, Two at a Time.
From the moment you arrive, you will be welcomed with heartfelt hospitality and surrounded by a community of individuals who believe that compassion can transform lives. Guests will enjoy an ocean view reception featuring live music, handcrafted specialty cocktails, delicious small bites, and an exciting silent auction. The air will be filled with warmth, conversation, and a shared sense of purpose in support of our nation’s veterans and the rescue dogs who stand by their side.
As the sun dips into the horizon, guests will gather for a beautifully prepared three-course seated dinner, complete with dessert and accompanied by hosted beer, wine, and Shelter to Soldier signature cocktails. Throughout the evening, you will hear powerful stories from our veteran recipients, meet the canine heroes who have brought them healing, and experience firsthand the impact of your support.
Exciting silent and live auctions, emceed by the always-spirited Clint Bell, will offer one-of-a-kind items and experiences, all benefiting the mission of Shelter to Soldier. Whether you are bidding, sharing a toast, or simply taking in the atmosphere, every part of the evening will remind you that you are playing a direct role in changing lives. Thanks to the generosity of the event’s sponsors, 100% of Gala proceeds will directly benefit the rescue dogs and veterans served by our mission.
Shelter to Soldier™ is a California 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 veterans struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Military Sexual Trauma (MST). They also place emotional support animals with active-duty military personnel, veterans, Gold Star families, and first responders. Their mission is built on the belief that every veteran deserves support and that every dog deserves a chance – and Shelter to Soldier provides both.
Each guest will go home with a special event swag bag – a small token of appreciation for standing with us in this important work. But more than that, you will leave with a full heart, new connections, and the lasting memory of being part of something meaningful.
As their largest fundraiser of the year, the Be the Light Gala is critical to sustaining their work. They are deeply grateful to their Presenting Sponsor SDBotox, Platinum Sponsor C.W. Driver, Silver Sponsors UNITE Hair and Cox Communications, and Bronze Sponsors Sycuan Casino Resort, Avion Law, Goodrich Family Foundation, Pegasus, Vulcan Materials Company, and Griffin Funding.
This event is more than a fundraiser – it is a celebration of second chances, of bravery and loyalty, of the incredible things we can achieve when we come together as a community.
We hope you will join us. Your presence makes all the difference.
For tickets and sponsorship information, please visit www.sheltertosoldier.org
