Exactly one year ago, The Times introduced its readers to Nicky Christopher, a 12-year-old Pennsbury student who brought joy to his Lower Makefield community as the “Birthday Lawn Bandit.”
If someone in the area was celebrating a birthday, graduation or other special occasion, Nicky “raided” their lawn, decking it out in celebratory decorations. Since the start of Nicky’s “Bandit” activities, which launched during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 300 lawns have been raided.
With his new platform, Nicky wanted to take his giving efforts to the next level. On April 17, 2021, with the help of family, friends and neighbors, Nicky celebrated his 13th birthday by hosting a fundraiser for the nonprofit Alpha Bravo Canine, which trains and donates service puppies to veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities.
Held at the Lower Makefield Township pool parking lot in Yardley, the event raised an impressive $8,000. This year, the organizers are upping the ante by setting a goal of $25,000 and offering an enhanced experience for attendees.
The newly-named “Strolling for Service Dogs” is scheduled for Saturday, April 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Garden of Reflection 9/11 Memorial, 1950 Woodside Road in Yardley. Proceeds will once again benefit Alpha Bravo Canine, but the format for 2022 varies from last year, allowing furry friends to join in more of the fun.
“We’ve got a big difference this year,” said Tracy Ruepp, a puppy-raising coordinator with Alpha Bravo Canine. “We’re gonna have a dog walk! That’s the main attraction. People can register ahead of time with their dogs. There’s a loop and the dogs can walk at the Garden of Reflection, which is a really nice spot.”
Water, plastic bags and other essentials will be available along the stroll route. Attendees who don’t have a furry friend of their own are invited to carry a plush or balloon dog. All registrants receive a swag bag, which includes a T-shirt, doggie treats and other goodies.
For a $20 admission fee (price increases to $25 the day of the event), guests can enjoy a family-friendly day outdoors. Vendors include De Lorenzo’s Pizza, which will be donating a portion of sales to Alpha Bravo Canine, Abbey’s Bakery, House of Hope Animal Rescue and Cup & Cake Company.
Sara Christopher, Nicky’s mom, explained that each vendor is tied into Alpha Bravo Canine’s mission of preventing veteran suicide. For example, Abbey’s Bakery is dedicated to supporting mental health awareness in memory of 14-year-old Abbey Wolf, who took her own life on Nov. 7, 2020 after silently battling depression and anxiety.
Ruepp shared the striking statistic that in the U.S., an average of 20 veterans commit suicide each day. Alpha Bravo Canine, established in 2015, works to save lives via little furry friends.
“The dog is trained to pick up on their movements and their breathing. We train the dogs to monitor breathing patterns for anxiety,” she said. “It goes a long way to getting the veterans their life back. Some of them can’t leave the house because of their anxiety and PTSD, and they’re able to once they get a dog. It gives the veterans another purpose with the dog.”
Two of the puppies in training — Scotty and Sibley — were named after veterans who succumbed to their mental health battle. Once trained, these puppies are donated at no cost to the veteran. This year’s increased goal of $25,000 was selected because, said Sara, that’s about what it costs to train one service dog.
“We also try and set the veterans up the first year with enough food and training treats and toys for the dog so that the veteran can just concentrate on bonding with the dog that we give them,” added Ruepp.
Currently, Alpha Bravo Canine operates out of a shared facility in Newtown. Any leftover proceeds will go toward a permanent home for the organization, which Ruepp hopes will someday be in Lower Makefield.
Sara expressed her gratitude to area sponsors that are supporting the event. Those for 2022 include ShopRite of Yardley, Fellah Auto Group, Tail Waggers Academy, Mad Horse Tattoo, Davis & Brusca, Big Oak Citgo, Firehouse Cycles, Pure Eco-Wellness Salon & Spa, Rocco D’Armiento, Joe of All Trades, Big Whiskey, Homestead Wildlife Control, Bubbakoo’s Burritos, Ace Designs, Buck County Academy of Fencing, VCA Neshaminy Animal Hospital and Dogs & Cats Rule.
“We’ve been able to build a nice rapport with a lot of community partners who continue to work with us year after year,” said Sara.
Those who attend “Strolling for Service Dogs” are invited to stay after the stroll wraps up. There will be balloon animals, puppy-kissing booths, games, raffles, sports and a kids’ play area.
“It’s not just about the dog walk,” said Sara. “Bring the family and stick around.”
The big question is, how does Nicky feel about the upgraded event? “He’s kind of become a little local star,” said Sara with pride. “He’s a little anxious about it being bigger, but all of the volunteers are his friends and Pennsbury students. What I like about this is, it’s not just Nicky doing it. It’s Pennsbury. It’s community. It’s tying so many people together.”
Visit runsignup.com/Race/PA/Yardley/AlphaBravoCanineEchosDogWalknameTBC to register. Those who are unable to attend but would like to donate can do so via Venmo @birthdaylawnbandit, PayPal at birthdaylawnbandit@gmail.com, or by mailing a check made payable to “Alpha Bravo Canine” to Attn: Birthday Lawn Bandit, 1488 Merrick Road, Yardley, PA 19067.
Visit facebook.com/birthdaylawnbandit for more information on the “Birthday Lawn Bandit,” who still raids lawns on weekends. Half of the proceeds from each raid benefits Alpha Bravo Canine. Visit alphabravocanine.org/ for more on Alpha Bravo Canine.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
