A bachelor of arts graduate in psychology from San Jose State University, California, Steve Betando, a former principal, recently retired as superintendent at Morgan Hill Unified School District. Passionate about community involvement, he actively takes part in local events. Aside from being a benefactor for the Canine Companions organization, Steve Betando invited and arranged for the Canine Companion therapy dogs with their owners to assist in calming down anxious children during hundreds of Santa Clara County Office of Education supported COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
Founded in 1975, the Canine Companions organization provides service dogs to people with various forms of disabilities, whether physical or cognitive, including children, and facility dogs for people working in criminal justice, educational institutions, and healthcare. The organization believes in the transformative spirit of human and dog partnership and provides the canines at no cost to those seeking and needing independence the most.
A full non-profit, the Canine Companions rely on well-wishers to keep the programs running, including fundraising events such as the DogFest. These annual event offers a fun platform for registrants, sponsors, donors, and vendors at over 15 different event locations in the country. Though registration is free, entrants are encouraged to raise funds. The 2022 DogFest series raised a total of $1.5million for Canine Companions.
