Distinguished Volunteers of 2025
Honoring Leader Dog’s Distinguished Volunteers
Leader Dogs for the Blind is supported by over 1,500 volunteers, all of whom dedicate their time and hearts to support our mission, bring people who are blind or low vision closer to independence. We couldn’t succeed in our mission without every single one of our volunteers.
As 2025 comes to a close, we wanted to honor three volunteers who have proven dedication and commitment to our organization by being inspiring, encouraging and dependable.
Inspiring: Dr. Pierre DePorre
It is with deep appreciation that we nominate Dr. DePorre for his outstanding volunteer service at Leader Dogs for the Blind. For seven years, his expertise, compassion and generosity have profoundly impacted our clinic, dogs and clients. Always engaged and collaborative, Dr. DePorre enhances care, mentors future vets and lives our mission. His dedication inspires others and strengthens our entire Leader Dog community.
Encouraging: Cathy Sellers
Cathy is an enthusiastic, dedicated volunteer who has raised eight Future Leader Dogs and is now nurturing her ninth. As an early puppy educator, she provides essential care and guidance to puppies on campus. Her warmth, optimism and support uplift fellow raisers, while her passion for Leader Dog’s mission makes her an inspiring ambassador and the perfect nominee for this distinguished award.
Dependable: Mike Toger
Mike’s unwavering dedication and passion for Leader Dogs for the Blind shine through over 800 volunteer hours served over the last eight years. Mike is a mission-driven member of the Leader Dog community, serving as a community engagement and blindfold guide volunteer, and is impacting the lives of the clients we serve. We are grateful for his service and proudly nominate him for this well-deserved recognition as an exceptional Leader Dog volunteer.
Ready to Learn, Support, or Make a Difference?
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Every day, we rely on the support from our community of volunteers, made up of people just like you who make our mission possible.
The deadline is almost here!
Don’t miss this chance to have twice the impact
Your gift by September 30 will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $105,000 to help prepare the next class of Leader Dogs.
Double Your Impact for the Next Class of Leader Dogs!
Thanks to our friends at AAA – The Auto Club Group and Coastal Pet Products, every donation made now through September 30 will be matched, up to $105,000.
This means your gift will have TWICE the impact, helping prepare the Leader Dog Class of 2027 with the expert care, training and instruction they need.
Meet The Moms
Learn More About Becoming A Breeding Host
A free, open house-style “Meet the Moms” event for people interested in learning more about being a breeding host for a Leader Dog mom! Meet Leader Dog moms, volunteer breeding hosts, Leader Dog moms ready to go home and learn more about hosting a Leader Dog mom in your home.
When: Saturday, October 10 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: Leader Dog’s Campus (1039 S. Rochester Rd., Rochester Hills, MI 48307)
No registration needed, we hope to see you there!
Family, Friends and Supporters for the Blind
Join Us Monday, Sept 14 for a Virtual Group Meeting
Interested in learning more about blindness? Join our virtual group meeting to learn from others, build understanding, and discover ways to provide meaningful support to people who are blind or have low vision.
LAST CHANCE to take advantage of our Matching Gift Challenge
Support our $60,000 Matching Gift Challenge and have your gift DOUBLED!
Join Us For Dinner in the Dark!
Presented by AAA The Auto Club Group - March 20, 2026
Our signature fundraiser will take place at the Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township, MI. Every dollar raised supports life-changing programs at no cost to our clients, empowering people who are blind or low vision to live independent, confident lives.
The evening includes a family style dinner, an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, an ice cream and cannoli platter, an espresso station, and on-location parking.
A New Issue of the Faithful Friends Newsletter Is Out!
In our latest Faithful Friends newsletter, we highlight ways we are helping Leader Dog clients — and we invite you to learn how you can make a difference.