The local chapter of the American Advertising Federation, known as AAF Suncoast, invites you and your furry friends to join them at the Sarasota Farmers Market for the inaugural Paws for Purpose charitable event on Saturday, July 2 from 7am-1pm. AAF Suncoast is partnering with My Service Dog’s Place, non-profit that provides refuge for all Veterans, Military Service Members, Law Enforcement Officers, Fire Fighters, Blue Star, Silver Star & Gold Star families, including their service dogs. As a vital program of My Warrior’s Place, an organization working to provide a safe refuge and bring about healing and hope to all Veterans and Military Service Members who have returned from the battlefield, My Service Dog’s Place has a vision to serve as the ultimate resource so that no American Hero would ever need to choose between his or her well-being and their service dog. Kick off July 4th weekend by meeting some of our community’s leading professionals in advertising and media while creating memories that last a lifetime with your four-legged best friend. Photographer Maria Lyle will be offering pet portraits to help raise funds for a new state-of-the-art kennel facility benefitting My Service Dog’s Place, as well as to support the programming of AAF Suncoast. Enjoy patriotic photos of your dog decked out in red, white, and blue and fun summer activities. Your $20 donation will provide three professional photos of one dog, and for $35 you will receive six professional photos for two dogs. If you can’t make the July 2 event, AAF Suncoast is hosting a second Paws for Purpose event at MakSchu Studio on July 23 from 11am-3pm with photographer Yana Parker. A portion of the proceeds will benefit AAF Suncoast and My Service Dog’s Place.