Winners of 2013 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Donate Prize Winnings to CHF and Take The Lead

The AKC Canine Health Foundation and Take The Lead are pleased to announce they are the recipients of a $50,000 donation made by Milan Lint and Peggy Helming, two of the owners of GCH CH Claircreek Impression de Matisse, a Portuguese Water Dog known as “Matisse.” Matisse is the Best in Show winner of the 2013 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. His owners received $50,000 in prize money which was split equally between the two organizations. 

Established in 1995, the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) strives to prevent, treat, and cure canine disease by funding canine health research and educational programs. Funded grants provide better treatments, more accurate diagnosis and a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that cause disease in areas such as oncology, cardiology, infectious disease, and musculoskeletal health.

Take The Lead was established in 1993 and provides direct services, support, and care for all qualified participants in the sport of dogs who suffer from the devastating realities of life-threatening or terminal illnesses. Pamela Beale, Chairman, of Take The Lead said, “This donation recognizes all the work our community does for dogs and for the people in the sport of dogs.  It is an honor for Take The Lead to receive this donation and to acknowledge our shared commitment to bettering the lives of the dogs and the people in our sport.” 

“It is a testament to the generosity and caring of all participants in the sport of dogs that these prize winnings will benefit both the dogs and the people who love them,” said Terry T. Warren, AKC Canine Health Foundation CEO. “CHF is very pleased and honored to be recognized with this gift. We are also thrilled that this donation will have double the impact, helping all dogs live longer, healthier lives, because it is eligible to be matched through the American Kennel Club’s 2014 matching challenge,” said Warren.

By sharing their prize money equally between CHF and Take The Lead, Mr. Lint and Mrs. Helming are supporting both canine health research and assisting individuals in the sport of dogs who themselves face devastating diseases.  Their generosity will impact both dogs and the people who breed, train, groom, show and love dogs.  “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to win Best in Show at the AKC/Eukanuba Championship and equally as special to support both organizations,” said Peggy Helming.