Phoenix radio hosts walk 15 miles to raise $57,000 for veteran service dogs

Radio stations across the country frequently partner with local charities to support military families. In Phoenix, a local station turned that model into a physical endurance test for its morning show hosts.

KMLE 107.9, an Audacy station, raised more than $57,000 for Soldier’s Best Friend. The organization provides rescued service and therapeutic companion dogs to U.S. veterans living with service-related post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury. Each dog requires approximately $7,500 to rescue, train, and equip.

The fundraising effort, known as Hero Walk, was led by morning show hosts Niko Petrou and Gabe Mercer. The pair honored Veterans Day by walking 15 miles across the valley. They began at Scottsdale Quarter and finished at Four Peaks Brewing Company on November 9 and 10. During the walk, they broadcast live from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. MST, accepting donations on the air.

Listeners gathered to support the hosts during the event. One veteran and his pregnant wife attended the walk. The wife gave birth less than 24 hours after the event concluded.

Petrou cited the organization’s mission as the reason for his involvement. He noted that the community created by the service dogs inspired his participation. Petrou stated that helping those who make the ultimate sacrifice is the least the station can do. He added that if the work helps just one soldier with PTSD live a more normal life, the effort is justified.

Mercer emphasized the need for continued awareness of veterans returning home. He described service dogs as the best medicine for those returning from service. Mercer expressed the hope that the campaign would bring new veterans into the program.

The total raised exceeds the $57,000 threshold. The funds will directly cover the cost of rescuing, training, and equipping shelter dogs for the program. The walk took place over two days in mid-November.