Big Dog Bingo Hall in Kosciusko is making an impact on the operation of Gallant Hearts Guide Dog Center in Madison, through a monthly contribution derived from proceeds that are mandated by the Mississippi Gaming Commission.
During the past year, contributions to the charity totaled $200,000, according to Agnes Schexnayder, manager of the Kosciusko group. Donations range from $7,000 to $25,000 each month, depending on the number of players and proceeds, she explained.
Gallant Hearts is a non-profit, tax exempt organization that provides well trained, healthy guide dogs to people who are blind. The organization is governed by a nine-member board of directors who were selected for their expertise in fund raising, veterinary care, medicine, legal issues and finance.
Big Dog Bingo in Kosciusko is located in rented space in the former theater on East Jefferson Street. The group meets four nights every week with 62 to 130 customers. Gaming regulations mandate 60 percent of proceeds be donated to a charity, according to Mrs. Schexnayder.
Gallant Hearts places dogs in puppy-raiser homes where an in-home atmosphere provides socialization and obedience training needed before being trained to be a guide dog. Gallant Hearts provides veterinary care, food and obedience training classes for the puppy which remains with the family for 12 to 16 months prior to transition into the formal training program.
Gallant Hearts accepts Boxers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers for the program.
