NEADS World Class Service Dogs Hosts Annual Get Dressed. Give Back. Fundraiser

 On Friday, September 26, NEADS World Class Service Dogs kicks off its 50th anniversary with Get Dressed. Give Back., its annual fundraising event to support the organization and its array of Service Dog programs. Hosted at The Exchange in Boston’s Seaport, the festive, cocktail party-style event features fantastic food, an open bar, and exclusive shopping opportunities.  

The very name of the event reflects the mission of NEADS and the incredible training the World Class Service Dogs receive by incorporating authentic commands the dogs are taught: “get dressed,” “give,” and “back.” During its 50 years, NEADS has provided more than 2,000 Service and Assistance Dogs to those who need them.

NEADS is pleased to have MA State Representative Kimberly N. Ferguson as the Keynote Speaker.  Keith McGilvery, “The Good News Guy,” is back by popular demand as Presenting Host.  Working Service Dog Team presenter Brendan, with NEADS Service Dog Lexus, will also speak. Larry and Nanine Costa are the event’s Presenting Sponsors. NEADS working Service Dog teams and Service Dogs in Training along with volunteer Puppy Raisers will be in attendance. 

The evening festivities will include various passed and stationary hors d'oeuvres and special food stations throughout the venue, as well as a visit from the Melt food truck for a late evening snack. Each guest will receive a Harbor Sweets chocolate gift box donated by Abaris Financial Group.

Individual event tickets are $175 each and Friends of NEADS tickets, which include two tickets and your name listed on the program, are $425. Free parking is available on-site. 

HOW: SPONSORSHIPS, PROGRAM ADS, AND TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE HERE  

WHEN: September 26, 2025

  7 p.m. - 11 p.m.

WHERE: The Exchange Conference Center

212 Northern Avenue

Boston, MA 02210

NEADS thanks its generous sponsors for the evening; 

Presenting Sponsor - Larry & Nanine Costa
Step & Repeat Sponsor - Robert & Patricia Sumner
Gift Sponsor - Abaris Financial Group
Outdoor Seating & Fire Pit Sponsor - Martha Coakley
Chocolate Sponsor - Harbor Sweets
Beverage Sponsor - Burke Distributing Corp

Food Truck Sponsor - Rockland Trust
Gold Sponsors - Bennett Building Corp., Friends of Service Dog Maurice, Laura Taggart and Tom Nolan
Silver Sponsors - Embark, East Coast Telcom, Barrows Insurance Agency, Sue Feit, and Harry Grey

About NEADS         

NEADS Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Princeton, Massachusetts. Established in 1976, NEADS offers the widest array of Service Dog programs in the industry, including Service Dogs for adults with a physical disability or hearing loss, Service Dogs for veterans, and Service Dogs for children with autism or other developmental disabilities. NEADS Assistance Dogs are partnered with professionals in classroom, therapy, hospital, ministry, and courthouse settings. NEADS has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for more than 20 consecutive years.

For more information, please visit neads.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn