Pampered pets were out in full force for the Humane Society of Greater Miami's 2009 Pawpurrazzi fund-raiser presented by South Motors on January 30. Karla Dascal of Karla Conceptual Event Experiences transformed Jungle Island's Treetop ballroom into a puppy-themed, yet people-friendly, gala for Friday's affair.
Guests walked the red carpet with their pets upon arrival-dogs were invited along with their owners-and posed for pictures before many headed to the puppy-appropriate activities. Doggie ice cream, puppy massages, grooming, and a caricaturist drawing portraits of pets and their owners were all available on the veranda.
Inside, Dascal turned the ballroom into a chic lounge and dining space where guests could dine side-by-side with their four-legged companions. Square white loungers were accented by printed pillows of large red flowers-the same print used on the invitations designed by Seraph Miami-glow tables, and water stations for dogs. Keeping with the invitations print-which was also used on the step-and-repeat and several large projection screens in the ballroom-the dining tables were draped in white linens topped with printed overlays with the entire room accented by red lighting.
During dinner, select guests and their pets hit the runway for the "Great Pets Who Walk in Front of Great People" fashion show showcasing the latest designs from Saks Fifth Avenue Dadeland.
Organized by co-chairs Pat and Milton Wallace, the event and silent auction raised $375,000 for the Human Society's Adopt-a-Pet program, which homes more than 1,200 pets a year.
Correction: The amount of money raised initially said $35,000 when in fact the final total was $375,000.
