The Sedona Elks Lodge hosted a benefit barbecue Saturday, July 30, that raised more than $6,000 for a statue honoring military service dogs.
A clay version of the long-haired German shepherd was unveiled at the event, which was attended by an estimated 144 people, including Sedona Mayor Sandy Moriarty and Cottonwood Mayor Diane Joens, as well as other local government officials.
The event was sold out, according to Jim Iacovacci, of Law Enforcement Creations, a Cornville company that specializes in bronze statues “honoring our everyday heroes in public service and our military.”
The statue is headed for the foundry at Sedona Bronze and will likely be completed by December.
Sculpted by artist Neil Logan, who is also affiliated with LEC, the statue will be placed in the Verde Valley Military Service Park in Cottonwood.
The statue is a life-sized rendering of a male German shepherd based on a lot of different models of the breed, and will weigh 300 pounds when completed, according to Iacovacci, who added that other statues in the park are three-quarters size.
Including the artist fees, cost of the bronze and the foundry work, the total cost of the statue is about $26,000, he said.
Of the money raised at the Elks event, 100 percent went to the statue.
Meanwhile, there will be at least one additional fundraiser to pay for the white-marble base on which the statue will stand, according to Iacovacci.
He went on to credit Sedona residents Linda and Alan Brecher as the driving force behind the project.
“Linda and Alan had the whole vision of it and we’re so appreciative for what they’ve done,” he said.
Linda Brecher spoke at the fundraiser, as did Monty Hutson, the handler for former military service dog Saxon.
Hutson also wrote the screenplay for the Warner Brothers film “Max” based on Saxon’s service in Afghanistan. He serviced two tours, was shot through the head and had part of his ear torn off by an IED explosion.
Saxon suffered a heart attack and died on his way home to New Mexico following his appearance at the Elks club.
Saxon was a therapy dog helping other warriors with the For Veterans Sake Foundation.
He patiently posed for photographs with many of those who attended the fundraiser.
There were $3,000 in prizes at the auction and raffle. Tickets were $30 and included five raffle tickets.
Alan Brecher won the Henry .22 Magnum rifle that was custom engraved with all five military branches emblems, according to the Verde Valley Military Service Park’s Facebook page. He donated back and it was auctioned it off for $1,000.
