ORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando community supported service dogs and a local organization at a fundraising event in Winter Park.
DogFest launched nationwide ten years ago to educate the community and raise money.
Representatives said they raised over $85,000 at Saturday’s event.
Canine Companions, who hosted the event, provides trained service dogs to those with disabilities for free.
Photos: DogFest Orlando honors service dogs in the community, raises money
DogFest Orlando honors service dogs in the community DogFest Orlando supports those with disabilities with trained service dogs. 9 Family Connection was a sponsor at the event. (WFTV/WFTV) DogFest Orlando honors service dogs in the community DogFest Orlando supports those with disabilities with trained service dogs. 9 Family Connection was a sponsor at the event. (WFTV/WFTV) DogFest Orlando honors service dogs in the community DogFest Orlando supports those with disabilities with trained service dogs. 9 Family Connection was a sponsor at the event. (WFTV/WFTV) DogFest Orlando honors service dogs in the community DogFest Orlando supports those with disabilities with trained service dogs. 9 Family Connection was a sponsor at the event. (WFTV/WFTV) DogFest Orlando honors service dogs in the community DogFest Orlando supports those with disabilities with trained service dogs. 9 Family Connection was a sponsor at the event. (WFTV/WFTV) DogFest Orlando honors service dogs in the community DogFest Orlando supports those with disabilities with trained service dogs. 9 Family Connection was a sponsor at the event. (WFTV/WFTV) DogFest Orlando honors service dogs in the community DogFest Orlando supports those with disabilities with trained service dogs. 9 Family Connection was a sponsor at the event. (WFTV/WFTV) DogFest Orlando honors service dogs in the community DogFest Orlando supports those with disabilities with trained service dogs. 9 Family Connection was a sponsor at the event. (WFTV/WFTV) DogFest Orlando honors service dogs in the community DogFest Orlando supports those with disabilities with trained service dogs. 9 Family Connection was a sponsor at the event. (WFTV/WFTV) DogFest Orlando honors service dogs in the community DogFest Orlando supports those with disabilities with trained service dogs. 9 Family Connection was a sponsor at the event. (WFTV/WFTV) DogFest Orlando honors service dogs in the community DogFest Orlando supports those with disabilities with trained service dogs. 9 Family Connection was a sponsor at the event. (WFTV/WFTV) DogFest Orlando honors service dogs in the community DogFest Orlando supports those with disabilities with trained service dogs. 9 Family Connection was a sponsor at the event. (WFTV/WFTV) 9 Family Connection was also a sponsor of DogFest Orlando, and Channel 9 Sports Anchor Alex Walker emceed the event.
The top fundraising team was STEP @ UCF, a group at the University of Central Florida where students raise service dogs in training. STEP has raised more than 50 dogs for the organization.
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The funds will help adults, children and veterans with disabilities.
The organization relies on donations and support from the community to operate.
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Canine Companions has placed more than 7,500 dogs since 1975.
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