Proceeds from a special raffle by VFW Post 7507 went to a worthy cause.

The post raffled off a special edition VFW Henry rifle. Tickets were sold, and the organization decided to donate the proceeds ($2,500) to Dogs 4 Vets, a charity in Gilbert that matches veterans with service dogs.

Sisters Debbie Claseman and Diane Van Compernolle accepted the check on behalf the charity they formed with Claseman’s husband, Gerard.

Claseman told the veterans in attendance at a special presentation in early December that Dogs 4 Vets is one of the most recognized organizations of its kind in the country.

“We train and fit a dog to a vet personally,” she said. “Training with both the vet and the dog takes about a year.”

The organization gets dogs from breeders, rescues and shelters. They are matched with veterans depending on what the vet needs, personality fit and how the two work together.

The program provides a dog for free for life. If a veteran’s needs change, a different dog may be assigned to that person.

“As a person gets older, they may need more assistance or a different type of dog,” Claseman said. “We then will train the veteran to work with the new dog.”

The Henry rifle was awarded to Lyn Ciampa of Clifton, Maine. Fountain Hills Mayor Linda Kavanagh drew the winning ticket. Post Commander Carl Krawczyk presented the check to Dogs 4 Vets.