Last week the Clearwater Legion Riders held a spaghetti dinner to celebrate the success of their annual Homeless Vets Run Fundraiser and award the proceeds of their hard work.

The Riders invited their donors and this year’s nonprofit veterans’ organizations to the event so everyone could celebrate together and see where the money they raised is going. This year’s recipients included Angel Reins, Magnus Veterans Foundation, Patriot Assistance Dogs, and Veterans on the Lake Resort. The organizations chosen were deemed to have the most impact for the money in veterans’ lives.

Angel Reins, based out of St. Augusta, provides equestrian therapy to veterans, survivors of human trafficking, and others suffering from PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Their mission is to provide a safe, peaceful place for horses and people to experience kindness and hope. Most of the horses they use are rescues. 

The organization is hosting their second annual Boots & Blue Jeans Fall Fundraiser event this Sat., Oct. 7 at the Clearwater Rodeo Grounds. 

Magnus Veterans Foundation provides holistic care for veterans and their families. The organization opened two years ago with the mission to heal and honor veterans and their families through community fellowship and a comprehensive approach to restoring the body, heart, mind, and spirit.

The organization’s founders have over 100 years of combined military service, and their team, which includes physicians, licensed professionals, veteran families, community leaders, and military advocates, understand the profound impact that war and military service has on veterans and their families.

Because of the overabundance of dogs in pounds, Patriot Assistant Dogs uses rescue dogs to provide highly trained, certified psychiatric service dogs to veterans. The cost for each dog trained averages $19,000, however they provide the animals to veterans at no cost. 

Veterans on the Lake Resort is an organization near the Boundary Waters with the mission of enriching the lives of disabled veterans, current and formerly enrolled veterans, and their families by providing opportunities for inclusion in outdoor recreational activities and mental respite. 

The Clearwater Legion Riders’ Homeless Veteran’s Run and Fundraiser is held annually on the first weekend of August. Along with the ride, this year’s event included silent and live auctions, raffles, dinner, and a street dance. All proceeds from the event are used for veteran causes.