Wags and Whiskers Luncheon: A Day of Fashion and Philanthropy
The 12th Annual Wags and Whiskers Luncheon, themed "Lassos and Leashes," took place on February 8 at Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District, benefiting Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s (IM) Animeals program.
A Day of Fun and Fundraising
Co-chairs Kristin Guthrie and Roberta Konicki welcomed attendees, while honorary chair Ernie Manouse of Houston Public Media and emcee Casey Curry, accompanied by her daughter Winnie, kept the energy high. The always popular celebrity pet fashion show, produced by Todd Ramos, with glam touches courtesy of Edward Sanchez, featured furry cowpokes strutting down the catwalk. Top honors went to Brittanny Diller with Buttercup, followed by Ava Khademi Deljou with Moose, and Molly and Schatzi alongside their humans Susan Vaughan and Karl Winter.
Honoring a Dedicated Animal Advocate
The luncheon honored animal advocate and Houston media personality Frank Billingsley, recently named executive producer and co-host of Hello Houston. IM board chair Saied Alavi and past chair Dr. Kathy C. Flanagan spoke on the lasting impact of the Animeals program, which ensures more than 1,300 pets of homebound seniors receive essential supplies. Lending a paw, Animeals spokesdog Moose, escorted by IM board vice chair Nadia Tajalli, made a heart-tugging appeal that had wallets opening.
Sponsors and Supporters
The afternoon’s fundraising tally was bolstered by sponsors, including Linh Nguyen, Fred G. Marshall, Susan and Dan Boggio, and Marek. In total, the more than 225 guests raised over $130,000.
Attendees and Supporters
The event was also attended by many notable individuals, including Sheroo Mukhtiar, Ann and Ron Kaesermann, Susanne and Randall Evans, Charlene Chuang, Karen Jankowski and Ed Donahue, Paula Sutton and Bill Gross, Dr. Loren Blanchard, Nadia Tajalli and Shahin Tavackoli, Philamena and Arthur Baird, Aliza Dutt, CC and Duke Ensell, Karen and Jay Harberg, Angela Hernandez, Eileen Lawal, Sonia Soto, Gregg Harrison, Paul-David Van Atta, Walt Zipprian, Miya Shay, and Brandy and Chris Laakso.
Conclusion
The Wags and Whiskers Luncheon was a fantastic event that brought together animal lovers and philanthropists in support of a great cause. It is clear that the community is committed to making a difference in the lives of homebound seniors and their pets, and we look forward to seeing the impact of this event in the years to come.
FAQs
Q: What was the purpose of the Wags and Whiskers Luncheon?
A: The event was held to benefit Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s (IM) Animeals program, which provides essential supplies to more than 1,300 pets of homebound seniors.
Q: Who were the honorees of the event?
A: The luncheon honored animal advocate and Houston media personality Frank Billingsley, recently named executive producer and co-host of Hello Houston.
Q: How much was raised at the event?
A: The more than 225 guests raised over $130,000 during the event.
