Superhero Dog Sculptures To Benefit Southeastern Guide Dogs

PALMETTO, FL -- Southeastern Guide Dogs has launched the third season of Superheroes on Parade—a creative collaboration of sponsors and artists featuring creatively painted dog sculptures that will be on display throughout Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota.

This whimsical, dog-centered fundraising campaign raises awareness of Southeastern Guide Dogs’ programs and the inspirational people and superhero dogs it brings together.

Sponsors and artists unveiled the first 14 new caped superheroes on Sept. 12 at The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg featuring four life-sized dogs, six puppies and four relief sculptures.

The sculptures are modeled after the real superheroes of Southeastern Guide Dogs: the Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and goldadors that are born, raised and trained at Southeastern Guide Dogs’ campus in Palmetto to assist people with disabilities.

During the coming months, members of the public will be invited to participate in an online contest in which they can cast their vote for their favorite sculpture for $1 per vote. The voting will end March 15 and the campaign will culminate in a red carpet awards event at the Art Ovation Hotel in Sarasota on April 4.

Last year, the contest generated more than $114,000 for the nonprofit organization.

The sculptures of Superheroes on Parade will be on display at venues throughout the area. Photos of each sculpture and a map of sculpture locations will be available on the campaign website where the public can also cast their votes.

Southeastern Guide Dogs is a Palmetto-based organization that breeds and trains guide dogs, service dogs and companion dogs for people living with significant challenges, including those with visual impairments and veterans with disabilities.

Images via Superheroes on Parade

The sculptures of Superheroes on Parade will be on display at venues throughout the area.

St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman reveals the first dog sculpture, “Saint Pete,” sponsored by the city of St. Petersburg and painted by Geff Strik. Kriseman's family has helped raise puppies for Southeastern Guide Dogs.

Sponsor Joseph Saunders and artist Tara Radosevich admire “Justice” as he is unveiled.

“Roosevelt,” sponsored by Fidelity Investment Services, was painted by James Eric.

“Goldie," sponsored by GTE Financial, was painted by Rob Sardella.

“swahrey,” sponsored by swah-rey dessert bar, was painted by Anna Hamilton Fields.

“Roux,” sponsored by Ruth’s Chris, was created by Susan Bauerle.

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