Fundraiser Spotlight: Lazy Dog Hosts #ReasonableRanks Event
- Kirk Carlson
- Jun 28
- 2 min read
🎯
By Covenant of Courage | June 2025
🍽️ Veterans, Valor, and Victory Meals: A Community Rallies for Reform
In a powerful demonstration of community support and patriotism, Lazy Dog Restaurant in Corona, California, partnered with Covenant of Courage to host a three-day fundraiser from June 29 to July 1, 2025—supporting the national #ReasonableRanks campaign for injured veterans.
The event, titled “Veterans, Valor, and Victory Meals,” was more than a dining experience—it was a call to action for justice, dignity, and policy reform.
💡 What Is #ReasonableRanks?
#ReasonableRanks is a grassroots movement led by veterans, advocates, and nonprofit leaders demanding discharge reform and reassignment options for injured service members. Thousands of troops are currently medically discharged—sometimes due to training injuries, pregnancy, or illness—without options to continue serving in modified or support roles.
Covenant of Courage, the nonprofit behind the campaign, believes “disability should not equal discharge” and is fighting to align military policy with civilian disability rights, including those protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
🛠️ How the Fundraiser Worked
Over the three days, Lazy Dog donated a percentage of all participating meal checks to Covenant of Courage. Guests simply had to mention the organization, and their meal became part of a mission.
In return, attendees were invited to:
Sign the #ReasonableRanks petition (https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR)
Learn about the policy changes needed to support injured service members
Connect with local veteran leaders and volunteers
Enjoy handcrafted food and drinks in a patriotic atmosphere
The restaurant was filled with energy, from veterans and their families to supportive neighbors, civic leaders, and curious newcomers asking: “How can I help?”
📢 Why This Event Mattered
This wasn’t just about raising money—it was about raising voices.
Every burger served and every pint poured helped spark conversation around a hidden injustice in our armed forces. By making advocacy accessible—through a shared meal—Lazy Dog and Covenant of Courage successfully turned casual diners into allies for policy change.
The event also allowed local veterans to share their stories, helping to break the silence around medical discharge practices that often leave wounded service members feeling forgotten, ashamed, or misunderstood.
🙌 Community Impact
The #ReasonableRanks fundraiser at Lazy Dog led to:
Hundreds of petition signatures
Over $293 raised for veteran programming
Dozens of new volunteers and community partners
A Letter of Support from the City of Corona
Increased media attention on the campaign
Ongoing collaborations for future events and workshops
🫡 What’s Next?
This fundraiser was just the beginning.
Covenant of Courage plans to expand the campaign regionally, partnering with more restaurants and community hubs to amplify the message:
Every service member deserves the opportunity to continue serving with honor, regardless of injury or medical status.
✅ How You Can Help
Dine at participating events and support local fundraisers.
Sign and share the petition: https://chng.it/5yXYvkBtMR
Invite your city council or business to support the campaign.
Follow @CovenantOfCourage on social media for updates.
Together, we can transform the way our nation supports its heroes.
And sometimes, that transformation starts with a burger and a shared belief in justice.
Comments