Pawpurrazzi 2011: A Real Dog-Gone Success
Pawpurrazzi is in its 3rd year as a major gala, and just when you think it couldn’t possibly get any better, it knocks your socks off—thanks to the talents and dedication of Pat and Milton Wallace, who have chaired the event for the past three years. The one-of-a-kind event brought more than 500 party-goers with their furry companions together at Jungle Island to benefit the Humane Society of Greater Miami. This year was especially meaningful since it was celebrating the 75th anniversary of this organization. The event raised over $500,000 and three shelter dogs were adopted that evening.
Pat thanked everyone for coming and supporting Pawpurrazzi and gave special thanks to new Hall of Fame inductees: Sandy, Jon and Nancy Batchelor representing The Batchelor Foundation for being “Top Dogs and Best in Show”; Bunny Bastian, Co-Chairman and “Humane-Itarain and Best of Breed”; and Presenting Sponsor for the third year, South Motors. Hall of Fame includes people contributing more than $50,000 to Pawpurrazzi. Among the other major supporters for Pawpurrazzi were: Dr. Fredric S. Brandt, Emily Damiano, Yvonne and Chas Eldredge, Irene and Chris Korge, Linda and Patrick McEnany, Penny and Roe Stamps, Mrs. Marissa Cisneros-Rizzon and Marcos Rizzon, Allison and Steven Zelkowitz, Carmen and Juan Lopez, Ann and Frank Rubino and Karla Dascal.
The dogs are the stars at Pawpurrazzi and the people are the accessory! The evening started with a cocktail reception filled with activities for both two-legged and four-legged guests. Dogs were treated to ice cream, make-overs, a Purina doggy bar, and caricatures. Their owners munched on an array of comfort type hor’s d’ouevres—sliders, hot dogs, sweet potato French fries, fried shrimp, lamb chops, a Middle-eastern station, sushi bar, smoked apple wood bacon, salmon lollipops, and lots more—and cocktails provided by Bacardi, while mingling with other guests and bidding on items from the silent auction, The wine was generously provided by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly.
The impressive auction, which included items from Chanel, Dior, Carolina Herrera, Rene Ruiz, Missoni as well as major pieces of artwork, and gorgeous jewelry, was chaired by Juan Lopez, Vice President and General Manager of Saks Fifth Avenue, Dadeland, Marisa Cisneros-Rizzon, and Ann Rubino, three people who know luxury.
Guests were then treated to the highlight of Pawpurrazzi 2011, the “Great Pets Who Walk In Front of Great People” show where more than 25 exclusive guests and their furry friend(s) were featured on the runway, many walking shelter dogs. CBS4 anchor, Cynthia Demos, emceed this part of the evening for the second year.
Guests enjoyed a delicious filet mignon dinner followed by a fantasy come true dessert buffet of make your own sundaes, s’mores, brownies, banana bread pudding, cookies, and every scrumptious thing you can think of that is not on your diet.
The next day, 100 honored supporters were treated to a sumptuous lunch at the Four Seasons, which was hosted by Brian Mormile and Maggie Villacampa for U.S. Trust. There everyone had a chance to talk to Victoria Stilwell, up close and personal. It was a perfect finale for a two-day Pawpurrazzi experience that everyone agreed ended too quickly.
