Dog Days Coffee in Onset, whose owners are military veterans, hosted a fundraiser on June 10 that brought in more than $1,000 for 22KILL, an organization devoted to raising awareness for veterans who commit suicide.

Tracy Knowles, who co-owns the shop along with her husband, said events such as that are part of the coffee shop’s larger mission, which is to provide a welcoming place for not only the community at large, but veterans as well.

“The six years I have been out of the Army I have lost a few people to suicide,” said Knowles. “We want the community to know that we are a safe place for our friends, neighbors and fellow service men and women.”

On the day of the fundraiser, Dog Days Coffee sold a specialty coffee called Whisky Tango Foxtrot, rings and T-shirts on behalf of 22KILL.

The group works to raise awareness for the high suicide rate among veterans and educate the public on mental health issues such as post traumatic stress disorder. 22KILL also serves as a resource for veterans, and continues to build on its network of like-minded organizations to be able to connect veterans with programs and services in their local area.

Knowles said she plans to hold similar events in the future and the June 10 event was a great way to start.

“Bringing awareness to 22KILL is the least we can do for our community,” said Knowles.

For more information on 22KILL, visit www.22kill.com.