“We hope in some small way we’re investing in one veteran’s life,” Rick Litchfield recently shared with Gratitude Charlottesville. For this reason, Rick and his wife Bev were recently chosen to be the Gratitude “Friend of Freedom” award recipients for 1st quarter, 2023.
The couple moved to Charlottesville in the summer of 2020 after many decades of running a Bed and Breakfast in Kennebunkport, Maine. The Litchfield-Davis family connected with Gratitude to donate money and their time in support of our “Pet Project” mission. The “Pet Project” is a new Gratitude mission and partnership with Green Dogs Unleashed, to sponsor special pups each year to undergo through an extensive, highly specialized PTS Therapy program. This program requires over 500 hours of skill development and integration work with their chosen Veteran family, per dog. The need for such specialization is great, but this is an expensive endeavor in time and resource. “Freedom isn’t free”.
“We were able to both use our God-given talents in running the hospitality business,” explained Rick. “My wife loved the decorating, furnishing, gardening and she had a very successful small gift shop in the inn. We both enjoyed making our guests happy.” During their 42 years as innkeepers, they were very involved in their community and the hospitality industry. Now in Charlottesville they are eager to bring their talents and community-mindedness to helping local Veterans. And to spend time with their four grandkids!
For Bev and Rick, this is a family affair. “The ability to involve our grandchildren with the dogs, teaching generosity and helping veterans,” said Bev, “we believe it will be a wonderful family experience to meet the Veteran and observe the training.”
“We sincerely hope that our efforts to support local Veterans inspire others to do so too,” said Rick. “We love our new life in Charlottesville and are eager to contribute.”
Each quarter, “The Freedom Fund” Board of Directors will choose a FOF award winner to be featured on Gratitudecville.com. To nominate person or organization that promotes and protects freedom in our community, email us at gratitudecville@gmail.com.
