To celebrate 100 years in business – and help support a meaningful organization – Seymour’s Boatyard in Northport Village is hosting its “Rock the Boat” event on Saturday, July 1 at 3pm to raise funds for Paws of War. With a mission to train and place support dogs with military veterans suffering from the emotional and physical effects of war, the nonprofit helps veterans gain independence, and rescues dogs from kill shelters.
“We want to really encourage people to purchase tickets to the event because all proceeds will go to Paws of War,” Dave Weber, boatyard owner and general manager, told the Journal. “Seymour’s has historically held fundraisers for first responders and veterans; this year we will have the Paws of War representatives at the event and we really want to give back so they can fulfill their mission in helping both ends of the leash.”
Weber said Paws of War is especially meaningful to him because it has extended its mission to help first responders, a position he has firsthand experience with as a volunteer firefighter. He’s also a proud dog owner. “There’s no stigma attached to owning a dog, and the therapy you get from having a service dog is extremely valuable,” he explained.
The fundraiser at Seymour’s is a continuation of an event that Cow Harbor Warriors held there for several years. This is the first fundraiser at the boatyard since Covid, Weber said. It will be military-themed and family-friendly, with a DJ and free tickets for kids under 15.