Fourteen Angels Foundation - History

The concept for Fourteen Angels Foundation was conceived by the founder and Executive Director, Eileen Burke-Trent, after the horrific natural and man-made disasters of the new millennium—including the Oklahoma City Bombing, the crash of the Columbia Space Shuttle, and the Twin Towers tragedy of 9/11.

The role of the Foundation was predicated on the understanding that Search and Rescue and other working dog teams, take enormous risks and contribute greatly, in the course of their service to the public welfare in both wartime and in peacetime.  They serve their local communities with equal distinction, and participate in lost person, Alzheimer patient, and missing children searches, as well as in victim recovery efforts.

In forming the Foundation, Mrs. Burke-Trent’s goal was to support k-9s and canines in the working and helping professions, by highlighting both their historical and current contributions to society, and the contributions and commitment of the highly trained and selfless individuals “at the other end of the leash.”

After the natural and man-made disasters of the new millennium, the needs and difficulties experienced by working dog teams became evident.  According to recent research by IAMS and Penn State, 14 monitored k-9 SAR dogs, from the 9/11 search site have died as of this writing.  At least one other, “Git Anders”, was shot 11 times in the line of duty.

Mrs. Burke-Trent understood that the public had limited knowledge of the huge commitment of time, resources, and energy it takes to train and replace working dogs of this caliber and the cost to local residents when they have inadequate teams to serve their safety and working needs.

In the 1980’s The Trent Family hosted a Riding For the Handicapped Program in their university affiliated riding academy. During this time, they came to clearly recognize the therapeutic and physical benefits available to students and adults of all abilities, when they have close, working relationships with animals.  Working and assist canines of all types help the disabled, farms, businesses, and households in a host of ways.  Historically, these animals have not only contributed to the growth, security, and welfare of our communities and our countries, but also contribute on a more immediate level to the adults and children they work to serve and protect.  The k-9s at the disaster sites mentioned above, also served as therapy dogs for their human counterparts.  By doing so, they made a difference on many levels.

In 2002, Mrs. Burke-Trent began working with close family and friends, and her old friends in the sled-dog racing community, and asked for their help, advice and support in creating an entity that might address these needs. “Mushers” from throughout the country and from Canada and France, and friends and family on the West Coast particularly, provided time, energy and resources to lay the groundwork for the formation of Fourteen Angels Foundation.  With their help, her efforts were successful.

In 2004, Fourteen Angels Foundation, Inc. was recognized as a public, charitable, non-profit organization, under tax-exempt 501(c)(3) guidelines, and approved as such from its corporate formation date of May 22, 2002.  Concerned and committed volunteers and friends were  the fuel that powered the engine of this achievement.

Eileen Burke-Trent, the race organizer, is a long-term trainer, event planner, author, and 25-year business executive. Ms. Burke-Trent is also considered a “World Class” sled-dog race official. In addition to timing races throughout Oregon and California, Ms. Burke-Trent was the Chief Timer for the inaugural Attaboy 300 World Cup Sled-Dog Race, in Bend Oregon.
Complete Biography Click Here)

Eileen Burke-Trent
Race Organizer & Director,
Fourteen Angels Foundation, Inc.
501(c)(3) Charitable Organization #03-0444397
738 Justeson Road, Gridley, CA 95948
Ph. 530-846-4444  Fax. 530-846-4455 
www.arrowheadsleddograce.com
fourteenangelsfoundation@yahoo.com