Lincoln Memorial University-Orange Park College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-OPCVM) will host UNLEASHED 2026, its inaugural Animal Welfare and Scholarship Benefit, on Thursday, November 5, at the college's Orange Park campus.
The event will bring together animal welfare advocates, community leaders and veterinary supporters for an evening of recognition, hands-on experiences and fundraising to benefit the next generation of veterinarians.
Designed as a different kind of benefit event, UNLEASHED combines dinner, drinks and community engagement with opportunities to experience veterinary education firsthand. Guests will explore LMU-OPCVM's teaching facilities through interactive clinical skills activities that provide a behind-the-scenes look at veterinary training.
"UNLEASHED is meant to be fun, welcoming and a little unexpected," said Kim Carney, dean of LMU-OPCVM. "We want our community to experience some of what our students experience while also celebrating the people across Northeast Florida who devote their time and talents to improving the lives of animals. It is an opportunity to bring those communities together around a shared purpose."
The evening will also feature the LMU Northeast Florida Animal Welfare Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations making meaningful contributions to animal welfare throughout the region.
Proceeds from the event will support the Rick DuCharme Veterinary Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarship opportunities for LMU-OPCVM students interested in shelter medicine and expanding access to veterinary care.
"Animal welfare deserves a different kind of gala," Carney said. "No tuxedo required. Curiosity encouraged."
The event begins with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards program at 6 p.m. at LMU-OPCVM, 505 Plaza Circle, Orange Park.
Individual tickets are $115 and include admission, dinner, beverages, entertainment, networking opportunities and guided campus tours. Advance ticket purchase is required.
Table and sponsorship opportunities are available, including options to sponsor attendance for approved animal welfare organizations. Presenting, dinner, beverage and Animal Welfare Award sponsorships are available, along with customized sponsorship and in-kind support opportunities.
For tickets, sponsorship information or additional details, contact University Advancement at 423-869-6351 or Frank.Woodward@LMUnet.edu.
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@lmunet.edu.
