More than 200 animal lovers joined the pack at Sambuca for Paws Cause Goes to Hollywoof benefiting the SPCA of Texas. Upon arrival, they were greeted by sweet foster puppies, who tugged at their philanthropic heartstrings.
Founded by Skip Trimble, Paws Cause started off humbly, raising $11,000 in its first year. But the annual event has grown into a tremendous fundraiser for the the SPCA's Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic at Village Fair, located in a low-income area of South Dallas. The 2013 event brought in $200,000.
Co-chair Cassie Evans told us that she became involved after speaking to Karen Urie, last year's co-chair and SPCA board member. "I would find strays on the street and bring them to the vet to have them spayed or neutered," she said. "It just makes sense to me. Obviously we need to support the shelters, but we need to offer money to the spay and neuter clinics to make it easier for people in South Dallas to do the right thing."
Evans, who admits to "going undercover" to ensure the clinic is running properly, added, "Our goal is to make the clinic run like a well-oiled machine."
Attendees — including co-chairs Andie Comini and Jane Arrington, honorary chairs Stacy and Don Kivowitz, Debby and Billy Albright, Tanya Roberts, Dan Forbes, Abraham Salum, LeeAnne Locken, Melissa Rycroft, and Jocelyn White — had an opportunity to bid on more than 150 auction items, from fine jewelry and travel packages to doggie items and spa retreats. They also participated in a cork pull and "Bone Appetite" restaurant raffle.
A magician floated through the packed crowd, literally pulling tricks out of his sleeves. Guests slipped into a photo booth — some decked out with boas and furry hats — to capture a moment amid the revelry.
The Village Fair clinic provides more than 12,000 free and low-cost surgeries and 15,000 health and wellness treatments to dogs and cats in need. Paws Cause provides funds necessary to keep the Village Fair clinic open, enabling people in nearby low-income neighborhoods to bring pets and stray animals in for the necessary treatment.
Fly By Midnight.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Carter Brown.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Landon Richie.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Liliana Villarreal, Kelley Robinson, Brandon Wolf, Dustin Vyers.Photo by Bryan Chatlien, Chatlien Photo
Cynt MarshallPhoto by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company
Jason Lamoreaux and Black Tie Dinner beneficiaries.Photo by John Strange, Selig Polyscope Company