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Santana Sawma is crowned as the 2018-19 Niagara County Peach Queen. (Photo by Wayne Peters)
Santana Sawma is crowned as the 2018-19 Niagara County Peach Queen. (Photo by Wayne Peters)

Peach Queen Santana Sawma hosting fundraiser

by yarger
Thu, Aug 1st 2019 07:00 am

2018 pageant winner continuing good deeds toward Dog Tags NY

By David Yarger

Tribune Editor

Ever since she was selected as the 2018 Lewiston Kiwanis Peach Queen, Santana Sawma has been dedicated to raising money for Dog Tags New York.

On Sunday, she will continue her mission, and she’s calling on the community to help her out.

From noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 4, Sawma will host a fundraiser at Casa Antica in the Village of Lewiston, 490 Center St., to help raise money for the good cause.

Sawma said, “I am still fundraising for Dog Tags New York, which is the organization I spoke about on stage during the competition. They are a local non-profit organization that unites veterans and rescue dogs and trains them to become therapy dogs. The idea is to give them both a new ‘leash’ on life -- a new beginning brought on by building trust in one another -- and allowing the dog and the human to see the beauty and happiness in one another.”

Dog Tags New York does a lot for veterans in the area. By connecting a war veteran with a rescue dog, it has changed the lives of many who have fought.

On the Dog Tags New York Facebook page, it states, “Our mission is to heal ... the wounded soldier whose damages are unseen. To heal the wounded animal whose trust has been broken.

“Our dogs are not service dogs or therapy dogs, they are shelter dogs that are like the vets in so many ways. They are stigmatized, misunderstood – not so good things have happened to them; yet you could have no greater friend.”

It added, “Dog Tags New York empowers members of the veteran community through interaction with rescue animals. We build purpose, trust, and camaraderie, while aiding in transition and adjustment. We take our mission to veteran and animal organizations throughout the state.”

Sawma said the event will be a unique one, with plenty of fun for the attendees.

Tickets cost $50 and include admission, beer and wine, hors d’oeuvres, live music by Chris Borgatti, and door prizes. In addition, there will be a silent auction, with items such as sports memorabilia, jewelry, wine and distillery tastings, helicopter rides and ride tickets to this year’s Lewiston Kiwanis Peach Festival.

Back in September, when Sawma won the Peach Queen Pageant, she said she wanted to double the $4,000 scholarship she was awarded by the Lewiston Kiwanis Club in money raised for Dog Tags of New York.

Only you – the community – can help her.

For more details, or tickets, email [email protected].

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