Rescue Dogs Walk the Red Carpet
Fancy fundraiser hopes to give cred to street-dog rescue mission
Dallas dog-rescue group Duck Team 6 specializes in rescuing dogs off the street. But on April 26, the group will go glam with their first fundraising gala, at the unlikely location of a Cadillac dealership.
Massey Cadillac in Garland will roll out a red carpet with photo opportunities, live music, food, drinks, a dessert bar and auctions with items valued at over $30,000.
"We have worked hard to bring a 'high class' experience for our supporters and volunteers," says J.P. Bonnelly, president and co-founder of the group. "Since we spend so much time crawling around in some really filthy conditions to capture some of these dogs, we’re looking forward to a night of elegance."
Nonprofit Duck Team 6 was started by four friends who saved dogs in their spare time. In less than two years, the group has saved more than 500 dogs from the streets of Dallas, including pregnant dogs, litters of newborn puppies, and extremely injured or neglected adult dogs.
Today, the group has over 200 volunteers and over 7,000 followers on Facebook, and it receives hundreds of requests for assistance from the community. Duck Team 6 has expanded its rescue efforts to include a community outreach branch, which partners with SoupMobile to provide free and low-cost vaccinations as well as pet food and emergency care in impoverished neighborhoods.
"Our goal is to raise money but also awareness," says spokeswoman Mandi Schmitz. "Our real goal is to reduce the number of dogs on the street."
Attendees will include dogs, she says. "It's a black tie optional event, but we'll have dogs on the red carpet," she says. "We want to give recognition for their being saved, and find some of them a home."
The evening will include live music from pianist Rob Lowe and a live painting exhibit by Susan Hubenthal. Food has been donated by a wide range of animal-loving eateries, including Easy Sliders, Bread Winners, Society Bakery, Palomino, Joyce-Bake Rejoice, Cane Russo, E Bar Tex Mex and the Art Institute of Dallas.
Beer, wine, and spirits are provided by Rahr & Sons, Dripping Springs Vodka and Aveníu.
The main attraction and primary fundraiser for the event is the silent auction, with prizes including travel packages, fine art, jewelry, pet care supplies and services, wine tours, watches, and more.
The gala begins at 7 pm at Massey Cadillac, 11675 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy., in Garland. For tickets or more information, visit caninesandcadillacs.com or email gala@duckteam6.org.
