(The Seawolves are pictured above with volunteer coordinator Krista Hardcastle-Utarid.)

SANTA ROSA, Calif- Members of the Sonoma State men's basketball team took some time out of their schedules on Sunday to volunteer at the third annual Bone Appétit -- A Celebration of Great Pairings event, hosted by the Canine Companions for Independence in Santa Rosa. During the four-hour event, the Seawolves helped with parking management, assisting guests upon arrival and departure, among other tasks.

"I had a great time getting out and serving in the community," senior Steven Pratt said. "The Canine Companion for Independence is a great cause and benefits so many people. It's my second year taking part in it and I'm glad I was given the opportunity to help out in this great community of ours."

Junior Will Olsem added, "It felt good to give back to the people who support us when we're on the court, especially for a good cause like this."

The Canine Companions for Independence organization focuses on continuing to provide highly-trained assistance dogs for children and adults with disabilites, free of charge. Canine Companions for Independence has placed over 3,500 graduate teams across the nation.

Sunday's event, the third annual Bone Appétit -- A Celebration of Great Pairings, included live and silent auctions, delicious food and wine pairing, training demonstrations and more, all in an effort to support this highly successful nationwide program. Richard Karn, best known for his role as Al Borland on the television sitcom series Home Improvement, made a celebrity guest appearance.

Canine Companions for Independence was founded in the Northwest Region in 1975. Both the National Headquarters and Northwest Regional Center are located on the Jean and Charles Schulz Campus in Santa Rosa. For more information about how you can help out with this great cause, visit their web site by clicking here.