Livingston Dems Distribute $2,000 to Area Veterans' Groups

Livingston County Democrats distributed checks totaling $2,000 to a pair of veterans’ organizations last week.

The party on Thursday presented a check for $1,750 to Carrie Castiglione and Donna Fournier, representing Stiggy’s Dogs, the Howell Township organization that works with veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress. Carrie’s son, Benjamin (Doc Stiggy), Castiglione who gave his life while caring for his soldiers as a Navy Corpsman in Afghanistan in September 2009 and was the inspiration for the founding of the group. Donna is training director for Stiggy’s Dogs.

The party also presented a check to Ralph Schalff, deputy commander, for $250 to the American Spirit Center, Brighton.

The funds came from the Livingston County Democrats’ first Wild Game Dinner with Optional Golf Scramble, held Oct. 12 at Ironwood Golf Club.

The party had hoped to raise at least $1,000 for Stiggy’s Dogs and an additional amount for the American Spirit Center. “We had never held such an event before and we really didn’t know what to expect, so we are pleased that we were able to provide more funds than expected,” said Party Chair Judy Daubenmier.

“Livingston County Democrats honor our nation's veterans, and we appreciate the work that Stiggy’s Dogs and American Spirit Center do to help them. This is a small sign of our esteem for those who have sacrificed so much for our nation,” said Doug Callaghan, chair of the party’s Wild Game Dinner Committee.

“We look forward to another successful event next year and to continuing to help veterans in Livingston County.”

Besides working in the political arena, Livingston County Democrats conduct a number of public service activities. The party has participated in the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Adopt-a-Highway program for 25 years, conducts a drive for Gleaners’ Food Bank each holiday season, and makes regular donations of toiletries, books, and other items to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Ann Arbor.