GAWDA Gives Back 2026 Supports Two Massachusetts Charities

GAWDA members once again demonstrated the generosity and community spirit that define the gases and welding industry, raising more than $130,000 for two Massachusetts nonprofit organizations through the 2026 GAWDA Gives Back campaign.

During the Opening General Session at GAWDA’s 2026 Annual Convention in Boston, GAWDA President Allison Earlbeck welcomed representatives from Canines for Disabled Kids and Second Chance Animal Services to the stage. Each organization received a contribution of more than $67,000.

Kristin Hartness of Canines for Disabled Kids joined Earlbeck alongside service dog Rocky. Lindsay McCormack and Sheryl Blancato represented Second Chance Animal Services.

The emotional presentation celebrated two organizations united by a common purpose: helping people maintain life-changing relationships with the animals they love.

Canines for Disabled Kids expands independence

Based in Worcester, Massachusetts, Canines for Disabled Kids helps children with disabilities and their families pursue greater independence through service-dog partnerships. The organization provides families with guidance, educational resources and assistance navigating the process of finding and working with an appropriately trained service dog.

Canines for Disabled Kids also promotes greater community awareness and understanding of service-dog teams. Its free services help families evaluate service-dog programs, understand their rights and responsibilities and prepare schools and communities to welcome these partnerships.

Training a service dog can take approximately two years and cost between $35,000 and $50,000. The organization offers scholarships to help eligible families manage those expenses and move closer to securing a service dog for a child under the age of 18.

Through its combination of education, advocacy and financial assistance, Canines for Disabled Kids helps create partnerships that can improve a child’s independence, confidence, safety and participation in everyday life.

Second Chance helps pets remain with their families

Second Chance Animal Services is a nonprofit animal-welfare organization founded in 1999. What began as an animal shelter has grown into one of New England’s largest animal-welfare organizations, helping more than 64,000 pets each year.

The organization works to address the underlying causes of pet surrender and homelessness. Its services include adoption, affordable veterinary care, spay-and-neuter programs, community outreach, training and a pet-food pantry.

Second Chance also operates community veterinary hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield and Worcester. Subsidized services help make veterinary care accessible to underserved families and individuals experiencing financial hardship.

By removing financial barriers to veterinary treatment and other essential services, Second Chance helps pets remain in the homes where they are loved. Its programs provide important assistance to veterans, survivors of domestic violence, senior citizens and families facing difficult financial circumstances.

GAWDA members make a lasting difference

GAWDA Gives Back is a longstanding Annual Convention tradition through which the association and its members support nonprofit organizations serving the convention’s host community. Over the years, GAWDA members have contributed millions of dollars to organizations making meaningful differences in the lives of individuals, families and communities.

The 2026 campaign continued that tradition by supporting two organizations whose work strengthens the bond between people and animals.

The more than $130,000 raised will help children with disabilities pursue greater independence through service-dog partnerships while helping pets receive necessary care and remain with the families who love them.

Thank You to Our GAWDA Gives Back Donors

The success of GAWDA Gives Back reflects the extraordinary generosity of GAWDA members, companies, regional groups and industry partners. GAWDA gratefully recognizes the following supporters whose contributions helped raise more than $130,000 for Canines for Disabled Kids and Second Chance Animal Services.