DANVILLE (WSLS 10) - Dana Yeatts is taking photos of Southside residents with their pets to benefit the Pilot Luncheon Club of Danville.
The club is part of Pilot International, a worldwide organization that helps raise money for people and organizations that help people with brain disorders like Alzheimer's and dementia.
This is the third year the luncheon club has held this photo shoot fundraiser.
"For example, Project Life Saver, which is here in Danville and Pittsylvania County, we helped start that program," said Melanie Vaughan, the luncheon club's fundraising coordinator, explaining how, specifically, the club helps people.
Project Life Saver gives people with brain disorders, like Alzheimer's, bracelets to wear that allow the person to be tracked wherever they go.
People who register to have their photo taken with their pet pay $25, all of which goes to the Pilot Luncheon Club.
"It's great for publicity, but just the idea of being able to help others, I love working with dogs anyway, so it just kind of worked out perfect," Yeatts said.
The photos will be on display at the YMCA in Danville from October 3 to 16.
People will vote on the photos by donating money for the one they think is the best.
The person whose photo garners the most money will win a $400 gift card donated by Eden Jewelry.
Each person will get to keep their photo after the contest is over.
"This is a worthy project from the Pilot Club and it's a great opportunity for me to get some photographs with my dog, Max," said Bernard Baker, explaining why he chose to participate in this year's fundraiser. "And, it's good for Max to be able to get out. He's a senior. He's had some health problems."
Anne Moore-Sparks had photographs taken with her dog, Skunk.
"We thought it would be a great opportunity to give back to a wonderful organization," Moore-Sparks said. "Pet lovers are a wonderful breed, so to speak, and we love giving back any way that we can."
If you don't have a pet, you can pay $25 and have a photo taken with a pet at the Danville Area Humane Society.
"Last year, all of the pets that were photographed were adopted," Vaughan pointed out.
To have a photo taken with your pet, you must register with the luncheon club by June 30. To register, contact Melanie Vaughan at 434-709-0695 or karma50@gamewood.net.