Dine out, do good: For people and dogs

Rooster's at SouthPark hosts "Wine & Wags" July 31, a fundraiser for paws4people. That's a nonprofit aimed at getting canine companionship and service to active-duty service members and veterans, inmates, kids and senior citizens. It places highly trained "Assistance Dogs" and does therapeutic and visitation programs, too.

There's a personal side here: Rooster's chef-owner Jim Noble's daughter, Olivia, 21, recently got a dog named Bragg from the organization. A recent high school graduate, she's had troubles related to encephalitis that she developed as a baby, and Bragg has helped her gain independence.

Tickets to the event are $15, and there'll be wine flights, appetizers, raffles and wine education from the chef. 6601 Morrison Blvd., 704-366-8688.