Some lovely cocktail dresses were spotted at a fundraising soiree in Arvada Saturday night, but several guests also donned spiffy new collars and leashes.
Now, before imaginations run amok, let’s make it perfectly clear that the event was Raise the Woof!, a benefit for Foothills Animal Shelter. The collars and leashes were sported by Conan, Gilbert, Juneau, Flaco, Jesse and several other adoptable dogs who were there in hopes of finding a forever home.
The Mathews Collection, home to what is believed to be the world’s largest assemblage of McLaren race cars, was the setting for the event chaired by PJ Jones and Lynn Raber. Net proceeds were expected to top the $102,000 raised last year.
Mathews Collection owner Larry Winkler and his wife, Toni, were among the 200 guests enjoying refreshments from 23 food and beverage establishments including Linger, Simms Steakhouse, WaterCourse Foods, P.F. Chang’s and Leopold Bros.
Later, Actual Talent’s dueling pianos entertained the crowd. And a live auction got pretty lively when foundation board members Sue Evanoff and Sangeetha Mallavarapu battled for the honor of having their respective dogs crowned the gala’s official 2012 canine mascot. Evanoff’s winning bid of $3,400 secured the spot for her white German shepherd, Zac, an alumnus of the shelter.
Others supporting the cause: Harry Mathews, high bidder on a wine-and-cheese party for 25 at 240 Union; Bruce Miller of Beds-n-Biscuits: A B&B for Dogs; Connor Auguston; Barry Knott; Sherri Horan; Robin and Edward Rothschild; Carolyn Fairless, president of the Foothills Animal Foundation board; and Megan Peters, its chief executive officer.
Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also, and GetItWrite on Twitter
