A Message From Executive Director Julie Alberti

Dear Friends,

Thank you for being with us last night.

I’ve been at a loss for words since leaving St. George’s, which, if you know me, is saying something. Last night was that powerful, and that moving.

A special thank you to the veterans, volunteers, and graduates who brought their incredible dogs. To our veterans especially, thank you for your service. Watching those teams work together reminded every person in that room why this mission exists and how much it matters.

Retired US Army Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans moved every single person in that room last night. She spoke with a courage and honesty that you rarely witness, and her story was as personal as it gets. She reminded us what service really looks like, what sacrifice costs, and what the right support at the right moment can mean to someone’s entire life.

That is the heart of everything we do at the Strata Foundation, and last night made clear just how much more there is to do together.

As Joe Campolo announced, every dollar raised through our foundation this year will go directly to the capital campaign for the new America’s VetDogs and Guide Dog Foundation headquarters and puppy raising facility in Smithtown. This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to help build something lasting, right here in our own backyard, that will serve veterans and first responders for generations to come. The Strata Foundation is committed to making a significant contribution to this legacy project, and every dollar entrusted to us this year brings us closer to that goal.

We would love nothing more than to have you with us on June 1st at St. George’s for our Golf Outing. If golf isn’t your game, come for the reception and be part of the energy of the day. And if you aren’t able to join us in person, I would love to connect with you personally about how you can be part of this work. Please don’t hesitate to reach out directly. This is too important a moment to sit on the sidelines.

These men and women served for all of us. Now it’s our turn.

With deep gratitude,

Julie Alberti