Mickey’s Kids Foundation is gearing up for its annual gala benefit event set for Friday, March 16 at Il Villaggio on Route 17 North in Carlstadt, with the goal of raising enough funds for Canine Assistants, an organization based in Georgia which raises and trains service dogs for children with disabilities, to supply another child in need with a new best friend.

Last year, Mickey’s Kids, which is founded by Heights couple Tom and Michele Meli, raised $32,000 through its annual gala which enabled young Danny Garafalo of Union County, who suffers from Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy, to get his dog K.D. last spring.

As Danny’s mother Jennifer has told Patch previously, the dog has made a world of difference in his life. The Melis also helped secure a lifetime of veterinary care for K.D. from the Oradell Animal Hospital last year.

Tom Meli says Danny and his family and K.D. will be in attendance at this year’s gala and they will also welcome special guest Jennifer Arnold, the founder of Canine Assistants.

Tickets cost $125 with proceeds benefitting Canine Assistants which raises service dogs for children with disabilities. The event begins at 7 p.m. For more information email steamboatwillie1@verizon.net.