Local photographer unleashes Pooch Playoffs national competition and fundraiser
Press release from Kathy Cafazzo Photography
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Pooch Playoffs returns for the second consecutive year to North Central Florida, which is a sports-crazed community that also loves its furry friends. Combining both is the perfect way to see the area’s cutest canines and unleash some ruff competition, all while raising money for our local Faithful Friends Pet Rescue and Rehoming 501c3 non-profit organization.
Kathy Cafazzo, owner of Kathy Cafazzo Photography, has always loved pets, so when the opportunity to help a local charity and photographing pets presented itself last year, she jumped on it.
“I’m a member of a national photography group that has been hosting the Pooch Playoffs for several years,” Cafazzo said. “The idea of holding an event called the Pooch Playoffs sounded amazing – especially when we could all help a local charity. The NCAA Basketball tournament and March Madness are right around the corner, and the Pooch Playoffs will coincide with that excitement.”
The bracket-style competition is unleashed on March 24 with 16 pooches competing for exciting prizes from a number of pet-loving sponsors and the ulti-MUTT prize. A few of the current sponsors include Shrunk 3D Gainesville, Pet Paradise, PetSmart Archer Road, Halo Health, and Pinspiration of Gainesville. In each round, two dogs will face off in an online vote. Each winner advances with the goal to be voted the Ulti-mutt Cutie of North Central Florida! Our winner will move on to a national competition.
Cafazzo will photograph 16 pooches on weekends until March 23 for a $99 donation to Faithful Friends Pet Rescue and Rehoming, which receives 100% of the proceeds from the event. The $99 donation includes the photo session, an acrylic photo keychain of the pup, and a goodie bag of treats from pet-friendly businesses throughout our community.
“It’s funny. Our pets are such important members of our families, yet most of us don’t think to have a professional photo taken of them. The Pooch Playoffs gives everyone a fun way to get a portrait of their pet made by a professional who knows how to photograph pets, while also supporting Faithful Friends,” Cafazzo said.
Cute canines can have their humans register them by calling 352-316-4575 or emailing Kathy@KathyCafazzoPhotography.com. Local businesses can also join the event with monetary donations or items that will be given directly to the participant’s human during the competition.