About Our Organization

The Amelia Island Charity Group began in 2011 through the vision of Larry Byrd and a small group of dedicated volunteers who shared a desire to give back to those who have served our nation and their communities. What began with just 11 volunteers quickly grew into an annual charitable effort centered on bringing the Amelia Island community together in support of deserving causes.

Since its founding, the Amelia Island Charity Group has hosted an annual golf tournament, dinner, and auctions each November, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the generosity of our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community partners, these events have raised funds and awareness for organizations committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of American heroes and their families.

Today, the Amelia Island Charity Group proudly continues that tradition by supporting Building Battle Buddies, helping Veterans and First Responders build stronger, more independent lives through the companionship, training, and support of service dogs.

Amelia Island Charity Group Founders were:

Carey Byrd, Chris Byrd, Larry Byrd, Mike Clower, Ken Graham, Lee Kaufman, Joe Murphy, Chuck Panella, Curt Platte, Louis Tuzy and Al Watson.

The sole purpose of the Amelia Island Charity Group is to raise funds to benefit the programs of Building Battle Buddies to support our local communities and their families.

As a volunteer organization the Amelia Island Charity Group, Ambassadors for Building Battle Buddies, has a tremendous team of volunteer ambassadors at large that assist with each of our events. Our annual events attract a generous community and allow us to support Building Battle Buddies a their mission to support Combat Veterans and First Responders.

Building Battle Buddies is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization committed to excellence. Building Battle Buddies empowers Veterans and First Responders by pairing them with shelter dogs and guiding them through an immersive 21-day program to train their own service dogs—creating purpose, healing, resilience, and an unbreakable bond between hounds and heroes.