Operation Freedom Paws to host 15th annual wine gala

Operation Freedom Paws, a San Martin-based nonprofit, will host its 15th Annual Paws with Patriots Wine Gala on August 29 at Guglielmo Winery. The event marks 15 years of the organization providing service dog partnerships to veterans, first responders, children, and individuals with disabilities.

The nonprofit has established a fundraising goal of $250,000 for the gala. These funds are intended to support the organization’s 48-week service dog training program, mental health support, veterinary care, and wraparound services. According to the organization, it costs approximately $30,000 to fund a single service dog team through its comprehensive program, which aims to provide services to clients at no cost.

The gala will feature dinner, music, and both silent and live auctions. Many of the dogs used in the program are sourced from shelters and rescues to create partnerships that provide purpose for both the animals and their human counterparts.