Posted August 10, 2026 in Community
Fairway-Backed American Warrior Initiative Raises Over $410,000 for Veterans and First Responders
The American Warrior Initiative (AWI), the nonprofit supported by Fairway Home Mortgage, had a night to remember on August 6 in Madison, Wisconsin. Its annual gala at The Edgewater Hotel raised more than $410,000 — well past the event’s $375,000 goal — enough to fund training and placement for 27 service dogs for veterans and first responders.
Watch: A Veteran Meets His Service Dog | AWI National Gala 2026
A Night Focused on the Cost of Freedom
With 250 guests in attendance during the nation’s 250th anniversary year, the evening centered on honoring the sacrifices behind American freedom. AWI CEO and founder Louise Thaxton and Karen Vaughn, mother of fallen Navy SEAL Chief Aaron Carson Vaughn, offered reflections on remembrance and turning gratitude into action.
As Thaxton put it, the night’s donations turned into real, life-changing outcomes for veterans in need.
Surprise Service Dog Reveals
Some of the evening’s most powerful moments came as surprise announcements:
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Troy Mitchell, a Marine Corps veteran, thought he was there to share his experience being on a service dog waiting list — instead, he met his new dog, Webster, on stage.
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Jody Hager and Mike Mohr, both Dane County Sheriff’s Office deputies and volunteer puppy raisers, learned the dog they’d been training, Dream, would become their own.
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Carla Monday, an Army flight medical nurse, found out a service dog has been fully funded for her.
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Steve Kielley, a 100% disabled Vietnam veteran, was announced as a future recipient.
Supporting Veterans and First Responders
AWI’s mission —closing the gap between civilians and the men and women who’ve served—is one Fairway Home Mortgage is proud to support nationally through its founder and CEO, Steve Jacobson. Proceeds from the gala will fund additional service dogs and expand access to this life-changing resource for veterans and first responders across the country.
Read the full press release: American Warrior Initiative Gala Raises More Than $410,000 for Veterans and First Responders
