Croton Lions Support BluePath Service Dogs for Autism Awareness

Annual walkathon fundraiser scheduled for May 9th in Yorktown Heights

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:21pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print of a service dog in a blue vest, repeated in a grid pattern with bold neon colors and heavy black outlines, capturing the celebratory spirit of the BluePath Service Dogs Walkathon.The Croton Lions Club's annual support for BluePath Service Dogs brings joy and independence to local families affected by autism.Yorktown Heights Today

The Croton Lions Club has made an annual donation to BluePath Service Dogs, a non-profit that provides free service dogs to families with children on the autism spectrum. The 10th Annual BluePath Service Dogs Walkathon fundraiser is scheduled for May 9, 2026 at FDR State Park in Yorktown Heights, featuring a 1- or 3-mile walk, food trucks, games, and a sensory-friendly tent.

Why it matters

The Croton Lions Club's support for BluePath highlights the importance of community organizations coming together to assist families affected by autism. Service dogs can dramatically improve the quality of life for children with autism, providing safety, companionship, and independence, but the high training costs often put them out of reach for many families.

The details

BluePath trains service dogs over a rigorous 3-year program at a cost of approximately $40,000 per dog. The dogs are then provided to qualifying families at no cost. The Croton Lions Club has made an annual donation to BluePath as part of their humanitarian efforts, helping to make these life-changing service dogs accessible to more children with autism in the local community.

  • The 10th Annual BluePath Service Dogs Walkathon is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10:00 am – 1:30 pm.
  • Vic Conte and Bob Anderson of the Croton Lions Club recently attended a BluePath graduation ceremony in April 2026.

The players

Croton Lions Club

A local community service organization that supports various humanitarian causes, including providing an annual donation to BluePath Service Dogs.

BluePath Service Dogs

A non-profit organization that provides free service dogs to families with children on the autism spectrum after a rigorous 3-year training program.

Vic Conte

President of the Croton Lions Club.

Bob Anderson

Secretary of the Croton Lions Club.

Erica Stanzione

Director of Marketing for BluePath Service Dogs.

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What they’re saying

“The Croton Lions are happy to make an annual donation to BluePath as part of their humanitarian mandate.”

— Vic Conte, President, Croton Lions Club

What’s next

The 10th Annual BluePath Service Dogs Walkathon is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10:00 am – 1:30 pm at FDR State Park (Lot 5) in Yorktown Heights, NY. This family-friendly event features a 1- or 3-mile walk, food trucks, games, and a specialized 'BluePath Breakroom' sensory-friendly tent.

The takeaway

The Croton Lions Club's ongoing support for BluePath Service Dogs demonstrates the power of community organizations to make a tangible difference in the lives of families affected by autism. By providing free access to highly trained service dogs, BluePath is helping to improve the independence, safety, and quality of life for children on the spectrum.