On Wednesday night, the Washington Humane Society hosted its 11th annual Sugar and Champagne fund-raiser for a sold-out crowd of more than 700 people and their dogs. Previously held at local hotels, the event moved to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center to accommodate its larger size. Lisa LaFontaine, the organization’s president and C.E.O., credits the addition of four media sponsors this year and the event’s co-chairs with the more than 200-person increase from 2011.
“[Co-chairs] Ellen and Todd Gray of Equinox restaurant are so well connected and really able to get the foodie world excited about the event,” LaFontaine said. “We [also] have some great media sponsors—94.7 Fresh FM, The Hill magazine, and NOVA Dog magazine—who have really gotten the word out.”
The Sugar Association returned as a sponsor this year along with six other companies, including newcomers Diageo and Zagat. With the new sponsors and increased ticket sales, the event raised more than $80,000—a $10,000 increase from 2011. The monies raised will fund programs for field officers and educators who going out in the community for rescues, investigations, and education to end animal cruelty.
The foodie cocktail party had more than 50 local restaurants and bakeries like Founding Farmers and Buzz Bakery serving miniature desserts, both for human and canine attendees, complemented by Champagne, sparkling and still wines, and other spirits from providers like Ruffino Prosecco and Team Spirits Imports. Those who purchased the $150 V.I.P. ticket also sampled small plates of savory foods in the chef’s tasting room, located just off the building’s main atrium.
About halfway through the evening, the organization presented awards to officers and members of the community who have done something special for animals in the past year. K-9 officers from the Federal Protection Services were also on hand for behavior demonstrations with their dogs.
