SPCA of Texas hosts Fur Ball Kickoff 2019

The SPCA of Texas’ held their Fur Ball Kick-off Party the evening of Thursday, April 11 at Stanley Korshak. About 150 Fur Ball supporters, sponsors, members of the SPCA of Texas Board of Directors and former chairs joined 2019 Chairs John and Lana Payne and Co-Chairs Katherine and Jacob Payne as well as Auction Co-Chair Amber Camper to enjoy the evening of shopping, sipping, snacking and of course cuddling with puppies. Chair John Payne announced that instead of the traditional honorary chair, Fur Ball 2019 will feature a very special partnership with Tito’s Vodka. SPCA of Texas Board Chair Patricia Villareal announced that Brian Curtis, NBC 5 News anchor, would once again grace the stage at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas as Fur Ball 2019 Emcee. Event attendees enjoyed samplings of delightful nibbles, including an artisanal charcuterie board, bacon wrapped apricots, tomato bruschetta parmesan crisps and petit champagne meatballs, all thanks to Preston Hollow Catering. Those who wandered over to the men’s section enjoyed whiskey, provided by Maker’s Mark.

The event was held in support of the SPCA of Texas’ Fur Ball 2019. The elegant black-tie gala will delight the senses with dancing and live and silent auctions. SPCA of Texas’ Fur Ball 2019 will be held on Saturday, September 21 from 6:30 p.m. - midnight at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas. The event is sure to be a smashing success thanks to Chairs John and Lana Payne, Co-Chairs Katherine and Jacob Payne, Underwriting Chair Arlene Kirkland, Auction Chairs Sandra Fite and Julia Howard and Auction Co-Chair Amber Camper. All money raised through Fur Ball 2019 will go toward the SPCA of Texas' important mission to rescue, rehabilitate and find loving homes for vulnerable animals. Guests of the kick-off party included Russell E. Dealey, Brian Curtis, Andrea Alcorn, Katy Murray, Cindy Lindsley, Jennifer Lindsley, John Payne, Lana Payne, Katherine Payne, Jacob Payne, Patricia Villareal, Steve Atkinson, John Ackerman, Ambassador James Brewster and Bob Satawake, Colin Fite, Lexi Holt, Madison McCune, Amber Camper, Gloria Sneed, Elizabeth Gardner, Judy Davis, Gianna DePaul, Chris Hurst, Pamela Graham, Phil Hixon, Dan Tatsch, and Anja and Jeff Woodson.

Photo: Fur Ball Chair John Payne, Fur ball Chair Lana Payne, Fur Ball Co-Chair Katherine Payne, Fur Ball Co-Chair Jacob Payne c/o Thomas Garza Photography

SPCA Is Pawsitively Dallas Strong

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, Katy Murray (SPCA of Texas Board Chair), James Bias (SPCA of Texas President/CEO) Photo: Thomas Garza

On Sunday, January 29, the SPCA of Texas’ Paws Cause, “Pawsitively Dallas Strong,” at the SPCA of Texas’ Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center saw more than 300 animal lovers come together to benefit the Mary Spencer Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic at Village Fair and the South Dallas Pet Initiative. Guests enjoyed gourmet food from some of Dallas’ finest chefs, imbibed luscious libations--including the “Pawsitive Delight” signature drink, danced the night away to musical entertainment by Goga, took part in the Bone Appetite restaurant drawing and had their pictures snapped at the Flipbook photo booth. Haute cuisine stations from several of the Metroplex’s best restaurants, including Salum, Parigi, Pink Magnolia, Cane Rosso, Whistle Britches and 3015 at Trinity Groves tempted guests with everything from sumptuous savories to decadent desserts. Paws Cause 2017 was a tail-wagging success thanks to Honorary Chair of Paws Cause 2017, Andrea Alcorn, and her Steering Committee.

“The spay and neuter initiative that the SPCA is taking on is the lynchpin of the plan…to solve the situation in South Dallas that is hurting neighborhoods,” said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. “We’ve got tens of thousands of dogs that need to have this operation and I believe that when we do that we will not only make the lives of those dogs better, but the lives of the neighbors and the strength of Dallas will come with it.” The event raised $115,000 (net) for the Mary Spencer Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic at Village Fair and the SPCA of Texas’ South Dallas Pet Initiative. All proceeds from the Paws Cause event benefit the Mary Spencer Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic at Village Fair and fund spay and neuter efforts in the Dallas community. This includes the SPCA of Texas’ programs that aim to support the pets and people of South Dallas to help address the serious stray animal, pet homelessness and pet overpopulation issues, also supporting the preservation of the bond between pets and people and keeping pets and the community healthy and safe. www.spca.org

Things Got Ruff For The Real Housewives of Dallas At Dear Clark

Photography by Thomas Garza


(Press Release) This past Saturday, Dear Clark Hair Studio celebrated the launch of its new pet shampoo, Woof Wash, with a Pet Party in partnership with the SPCA of Texas for a Pet Party. Hosts LeeAnne Locken and Brandi Redmond of Real Housewives of Dallas washed dogs in exchange for donations to the SPCA of Texas. The SPCA of Texas Mobile Adoptions truck was present to provide on-site adoptions. DJ Jordon Bell set an upbeat vibe while partygoers and their furry friends checked out pet-friendly local vendors at their tents and tables. Vendors included E&B Couture, Oak Clips, Paw Lofts, One Oak Grove, and a dog photobooth provided by Ochoa Photography. Guests enjoyed beer provided by Deep Ellum Brewery, Roots Juices smoothies, Berry Naked popsicles, and catering from Urban Taco. Attendees received pet-themed giveaways bags with items donated by Lucky Dog Barkery, Lucca Bella Doggie Spa, Dee's Doggie Den, Three Dog Bakery, and The Pooch Patio. The SPCA of Texas received a donation of $1400 and five animals found homes at the event. Woof Wash pet shampoo combines the key natural ingredients aloe vera, rose of jericho and sunflower seed oil with PH balancers and conditioners to give pets a clean, soothed and shiny coat. The specially designed essential oil blend leaves pets fantastically fragrant. Woof Wash is available for purchase online and at the Dear Clark Hair Studio.

Fur Ball 2016 Raises Funds For SPCA of Texas

Photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


The SPCA of Texas' Fur Ball 2016, “Shedding Light on Their Future,” was held on Saturday, September 24 at the Omni Dallas hotel. The elegantly futuristic, totally sold out, black-tie evening included dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions for 1,200 guests. Guests were greeted with passed bubbly and savory hors d’oeuvres as they made their way up to the Omni’s Dallas Ballroom. During cocktail hour, elegantly clad ladies and gentlemen walked the purple carpet and chatted with M.C. and Real Housewives of Dallas star LeeAnne Locken and America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru Steve Kemble about everything from what they were wearing to why supporting the animals is so important. A three-piece combo from Limelight jazzed it up and a whole passel of puppies from the SPCA of Texas’ iFoster program (all spayed and neutered!) romped and played as they were cooed over and petted by the glittering guests. Competition was fierce at the over 300-item silent auction, which featured everything from sports memorabilia, fabulous spa packages, high-end jewelry, dining experiences (from the fun to the fine) and so much more.

Join Me At Fur Ball 2016: Shedding Light on Their Future

photos c/o SPCA of Texas


The SPCA of Texas is the leading animal welfare agency in North Texas. The non-profit organization operates two shelters and three spay/neuter clinics located in Dallas and McKinney, and maintains a team of animal cruelty investigators to respond to thousands of calls in North Texas counties. Moreover, the SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for an array of services that bring people and animals together to enrich each other's lives. The SPCA of Texas is not affiliated with any other entity and does not receive general operating funds from the City of Dallas, State of Texas, federal government or any other humane organization so fundraising is important! And here's where you come in.  The SPCA of Texas will present Fur Ball 2016, “Shedding Light on Their Future,” on Saturday, September 24 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the Omni Dallas Hotel. This gala is the a salute to the bond between people and their pets and a celebration of the SPCA of Texas’ important mission to provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home. The elegant, black-tie gala will include dinner, dancing, and live and silent auctions for over 1,000 guests. This year’s Fur Ball is raising the bar with headline entertainment by Limelight, a party, variety and dance band that features top flight singers and musicians from around the country. Fur Ball 2016 is sure to be a tail-wagging success thanks to honorary chairs D’Andra Simmons & Jeremy Lock, Anne & Steve Stodghill and Drs. Wendy & John Vandermeer; chair Phyllis Comu; co-chair Kristen Greenberg; auction chair Sandra Fite; and event emcee LeeAnne Locken.

Stanley Korshak Celebrates The Dog Days of Summer

photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography


On Thursday, July 28th Stanley Korshak held the Dog Days of Summer benefit to aid the SPCA and Recycled Poms hosted by Alison Volk and her Pomeranian, Squirrel. Human and canine guests alike shopped from The Shak and the various pet vendors who participated in the event, including Hollywood Feed, E&B Couture, Lucky Dog Barkery, Raw By Canines First, and Dear Clark Hair Studio. The festivities also included delicious appetizers and treats from Mutts Canine Cantina and Steel City Pops. Guests enjoyed signature Spirit-Elite craft cocktails, including the refreshing Blue Healer and Rum Rescue. The doggie photo booth by Ochoa Photography was a huge hit amongst guests. Lucky Dog Barkery, Hollywood Feed, Dear Clark Hair Studio, and Odyssey Pets provided items and gift baskets for the raffle.

Local Celebs Strut The Runway For the SPCA of Texas

 

photos c/o Kristina Bowman Photography


Canine couture met feline fashion at Project Ruffway, presented by the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Dallas, benefiting the SPCA of Texas, on Saturday, April 2. I was unable to attend this purr-featly fabulous event, but in a press recap I was told that co-chairs Betsy Orton and Brian Walker, along with Honorary Chair, Dallas County Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia, celebrated the special bond between people and pets at the gorgeously over-the-top event. Steve Kemble, Master of Ceremonies, graced the catwalk as local celebs and influencer models strutted their stuff with well-dressed doggies on their arms. Most of the dogs were up for adoption at the SPCA of Texas, while others were already pampered pets. Guests hobnobbed with the adoptable dogs and cats in the adoption lobby of the ever-stunning Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center as they sipped wine, bubbly and the evening’s signature drink, the Cat’s Meow (a delightfully purple concoction of Equality Vodka, white cranberry juice, pineapple juice and raspberry Schnapps with a lime garnish). Noshes included savory and sweet delights from Bolsa Mercado, Mattito’s Tex-Mex, Steel Restaurant & Lounge and MLJ Catering. The funds raised from Project Ruffway will provide for a new Emergency Rescue Vehicle for the Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit at the SPCA of Texas.

SPCA of Texas' Cosmic Holiday Celebration for Fur Ball 2016

Touch your mouse to the image below to scroll through a gallery of images from this event:

photos c/o Thomas Garza


Animal lovers gathered at Matthew Trent Jewelry Design Studio at the Plaza at Preston Center in Dallas on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 for a Cosmic Holiday Celebration to support the SPCA of Texas’ upcoming Fur Ball 2016. Guests were all decked out in holiday splendor, and joined Chair Phyllis Comu, Co-Chair Kristen Greenberg and Auction Chair Sandra Fite for a cosmically fantastic night filled with holiday cheer. Not only did Matthew Trent design delicate dog bone necklaces in gold, white gold and silver just for the soiree, - he also donated 10% of proceeds from the evening's sales to the SPCA of Texas. The Cosmic Holiday Celebration was held in support of the SPCA of Texas’ Fur Ball 2016, DFW’s salute to the bond between people and their pets. The elegant black-tie gala will delight the senses with dancing, headline entertainment and live and silent auctions. SPCA of Texas’ Fur Ball 2016 will be held on Saturday, September 24 from 6:30 p.m. - midnight at the Omni Dallas. All money raised through the Cosmic Holiday Celebration and Fur Ball 2016 will go towards the SPCA of Texas' important mission to rescue, heal, and find loving homes for vulnerable animals. To learn more, visit www.spca.org.

Oh, Yappy Day! Paws Cause Celebrates 20 Years of Fund-Raising Fun for the SPCA

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Jan Rees-Jones with Jocelyn White, SPCA of Texas Board Chair

On Sunday, June 14, the SPCA of Texas held the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Paws Cause at the SPCA of Texas’ Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center and brought more than 300 animal lovers together to benefit the SPCA of Texas’ Mary Spencer Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic at Village Fair. The event attendees were welcomed with elegantly tropical décor, beautiful sunshine, bright flowers and puppies galore. Inside, guests enjoyed gourmet burger sliders and a mashed potato bar, imbibed luscious libations--including the signature Whiskerita and the Tailwagging Rum Punch, danced the night away to classic rock hits played by The British are Coming, took part in the Bone Appetite drawing and had their pictures snapped at a fun photo booth. The Silent Auction tempted attendees with fine art, spa treatments, pet care products, travel packages, delicious wines, fine jewelry and more. Celebrity Chef Blythe Beck offered a very special silent auction package that included five-course chef tasting dinner for eight. Attendees included hosts Phyllis and CJ Comu, Presenting Sponsor Russell E. Dealey, Jan Rees-Jones, Steve Kemble, Ellen and Don Winspear, Diane and Hal Brierley, Gwen and Leldon Echols, Marsha and Richard Gray, Mary and Skip Trimble, Hillary Hurst and Mark Schwarz, Rich Emberlin, LeeAnne Locken, Mary Spencer, Holly Forsythe, Katy Murray, Celebrity Chef Blythe Beck and SPCA of Texas President James Bias. These much-needed funds will help provide more than 11,000 free and low cost surgeries and 15,000 health and wellness treatments in 2015. All proceeds from the Paws Cause event benefit the Mary Spencer Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic at Village Fair and fund spay and neuter efforts in the Dallas community. The compassionate, mission-minded volunteers of Paws Cause have been assisting the SPCA of Texas for a total of more than 20 years, and their work has saved thousands of lives.

SPCA Celebrates 20 Years of Paws Cause on June 14

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Paws Cause is a group of volunteers who raise funds to support the SPCA of Texas’ Mary Spencer Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic at Village Fair in South Dallas by supporting the clinic’s efforts to reduce the number of unwanted animals and assist people in caring for their beloved pets. You can “lend a paw” to this important effort by purchasing tickets and attending the 20th Anniversary Celebration of Paws Cause to be held on Sunday, June 14th from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center. You know I am all about partying for a cause and this is a great one! Guests will enjoy strolling bites by Food Glorious Food, purr-fect cocktails by Carlo Barone with One Bar USA and Justin Erickson with Patrón Spirits, dancing and live music by The British Are Coming. If they sound familiar, it's probably because they play a regular set at The Mansion. Although they do play Beatles tunes, they are not a Beatles cover band (which is what I assumed). They play all the famous British band classics that will have your toes tapping and your booty shaking: everything from Elton John to the Kinks to the Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart. The annual event will also feature the famous “Bone Appetit” restaurant drawing and an irresistible silent auction.

Paws Cause 2015 Chair Phyllis Comu

The SPCA of Texas is the leading animal welfare agency in North Texas. The non-profit organization operates two shelters and three spay/neuter clinics located in Dallas and McKinney, and maintains a team of six animal cruelty investigators to respond to thousands of calls in eight North Texas counties. Moreover, the SPCA of Texas serves as an active resource center for an array of services that bring people and animals together to enrich each other’s lives.

The SPCA of Texas is not affiliated with any other entity and does not receive general operating funds from the City of Dallas, State of Texas, federal government or any other humane organization. The SPCA of Texas is dedicated to providing every animal exceptional care and a loving home.

Attire is summer cocktail, and complimentary valet parking will be available. Ticket prices are $150, and all money raised through Paws Cause 2015 will go directly to the SPCA of Texas’ Mary Spencer Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic to help provide more than 11,000 free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and 15,000 health and wellness treatments in 2015. For more information, visit www.pawscausedallas.org.

This post was brought to you by the SPCA of Texas. While I did receive compensation for authoring this post; product selections, descriptions, and opinions are 100% my own. Interested in a sponsored post or product review for your brand or event? Contact me for rates and details.

Oh So Charitable: SPCA Paws Cause Kickoff Party

Karen Lufkin, Tiffany Hendra, Marie Reyes, Billy Fulmer, LeeAnne Locken, Cathy Vieth  | photo c/o Cathy Vieth

Last week, Shane Walker and Billy Fulmer hosted Dallas animal lovers at Flower Reign gift and floral shop, for the SPCA of Texas Paws Cause 2015 kickoff party. The party featured a Photomadic photo booth and caricature sketches, bites by Food Glorious Food and champagne donated by Kristen and Scott Greenberg. Among those in attendance were event chair Phyllis Comu, Diane Brierley, LeeAnne Locken, Steve Kemble, Ashley Berges, Karen Lukin, Holly Forsythe, Tiffany Hendra and Rob Bradford. There were even a few four-legged guests in attendance who happily greeted guests with tail wags and lots of licks. Flower Reign donated 20 percent of party proceeds to the SPCA’s Mary Spencer/Neuter and Wellness Clinic at Village Fair in South Dallas. Paws Cause, will take place on Sunday, June 14 at the SPCA’s Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center in West Dallas. Look for more nibbles from Food Glorious Food, musical entertainment by the British Are Coming, a silent auction, the famous Bone Appetit restaurant drawing and more. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased online.

Photomadic fun (left) LeeAnne Locken, Tiffany Hendra, Marie Reyes (right) Phyllis Comu, Cynthia Smoot

Monica Greene to sell personal art collection for Paws Cause

Hat Heaven by Frank X. Tolbert

Monica Greene defines the term Renaissance Woman: part poet, part chef, part animal lover, part philosopher she is a creative soul who pours her heart into her projects. The only things she loves more then food and cooking is her beloved animals. Green recently made the decision to part with 12 pieces of her extensive art collection to raise funds for Paws Cause to support the spay/neuter efforts of the SPCA. You can bid on these one-of-a-kind objects d'art on Thursday, May 15 from 6:30-8:30pm at 3015 Trinity Groves.

8.0 Round Table

Alan Peppard of the Dallas Morning News wrote of the occasion "A tangible memory of Dallas’ debauched ’80s is about to be auctioned at the May 15 Art4Paws fund-raiser at Trinity Groves. One rather unique item is called 8.0 Round Table (pictured left. click to enlarge the image).

Back in the late ’80s, Greene was manger of the 8.0 restaurant and bar in the Quadrangle. The auction item is actually an 8.0 tablecloth that artists Dan Rizzie and James Sasso decided to embellish over dinner, drinks and who knows what else. Reached at his home in Sag Harbor, N.Y., Rizzie had a hazy recollection of the night at the 8.0. “The markers we used were non-toxic,” he says. “I wish I could say the same about me. That night, we were feeling no pain.”

I remember a night at a bar in Exposition Park when Jimmy Sasso spent hours drawing all up and down my legs with a Sharpie... but, that's another story.

3015 Trinity Groves is located at 3015 Gulden Street, Dallas, TX. Tickets are $20 at the door.