Chicago Radio: WDRV Give A Vet A Pet Raises $107,144

Front Row L to R:  Aaron Rupp, Eric Carlson, Service Dog - Johnny, Robbie Perez, and Service Dog – Bale from AVSDA.

Back Row L to R:  Brian Sherman – Drive Morning Show Host, Gary Snell from McHenry VFW Post 4600, Keith Stevenson, Monca Moran, Peggy Moran from AVSDA, Tingle – Drive Morning Show Host, and Mike Kinnerk from McHenry VFW Post 4600.

This past Friday, 97.1 FM The Drive’s morning show hosts, Sherman & Tingle, in partnership with the American Veterans Service Dog Academy (AVSDA), concluded their ninth annual “Give a Vet a Pet” campaign — a powerful community initiative dedicated to raising funds to provide highly trained service dogs for local veterans coping with PTSD.

With all donations now confirmed, The Sherman & Tingle Show raised an impressive $107,144 — enough to pair seven veterans with life-changing service dogs.

Each service dog costs approximately $15,000 and includes extensive training, veterinary care, placement support, and ongoing assistance. These specially trained companions provide emotional stability, security, and daily support for veterans navigating the challenges of post-traumatic stress.

“Another year, another incredible show of support from Driver Nation,” said Sherman & Tingle. “Our listeners continue to prove their dedication to empowering Chicago-area veterans. This overwhelming generosity not only helps our servicemen and women manage the challenges of PTSD, but it also strengthens organizations like AVSDA, allowing them to expand their impact. We are beyond grateful to everyone who made this possible.”

Eric Carlson, Program Director of AVSDA, echoed this sentiment: "For 9 years now, February has been a special and amazing month for AVSDA, our Veterans, and the Dogs that change their lives for the better! We look forward to this time of year to join what has become a second family to us. That family is Sherman & Tingle, the staff at The Drive, and the awesome organizational donors who have partnered with us like the Millstein and Mahoney Foundations, The McHenry VFW, and many American Legion Posts throughout Chicago. We love them all, but nearest to our hearts are the individual Drive listeners, "Driver Nation," who have literally "driven" our life-saving and life-changing mission since 2018 with their generosity!"