- April 29, 2024
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Points always have to be given to the Humane Society of Sarasota for its creativity when thinking up themes and approaches for its Paws fundraiser each year.
Nonprofit staff could rest on their laurels (so to speak) and bank off the ever-present and ever-appreciated dogs and cats that are on-hand at the fundraiser year in and year out. Really, who doesn’t enjoy an event with pets?
But no, that just isn’t the Humane Society’s style. The nonprofit has put on fundraisers that have featured fashion show runways, art displays that have used the group’s popular Hot Guy models and more.
This year, though, takes a different approach. The 2023 Paws on the Red Carpet event is taking Humane Society supporters to a Hollywood bash at the Art Ovation Hotel on April 14.
“It’s going to be our spin on an awards show,” said Autumn Steiner, Senior Director of Philanthropy. “There’s been the Golden Globes and the Oscars, here comes the HSSCs.”
The day, sponsored by Bayside Pet Resort, will promise a red carpet runway, the Hot Guy models serving as the Paw-Parazzi, a fashionable celebrity impersonator and more.
To get ready for the occasion, the nonprofit hosted a preview reception at the Sage restaurant that featured drinks, caviar and functional but fashionable couture from designer Aniko that guests were able to try on at the event.
It was a good warm-up for the big show, and Humane Society staff are ready for its Hollywood debut come April.
“We’ve had so much fun coming up with this,” Steiner said.
More than 300 guests met at Michael’s On East to recognize several notable locals during Aviva Senior Living’s annual Eight over 80 event on March 12.
This year’s event paid tribute to David Chaifetz, Rifka Glatz, Dr. Larry Haspel, Carole Kleinberg, Fran Lambert, Ellis & Bernice Lasberg, Bunny Skirboll and Anne Virag.
Beyond the expected honors and program, the organization also announced its new “Safety, Security and Preparedness” initiative aiming to enhance security for its senior population as well as prepare for acts of God such as Hurricane Ian.
The event raised $275,000 by the time it was done.
The Moffitt Cancer Center based in Tampa has provided care and treatments for patients for years.
The nonprofit has also hosted its annual Mission Possible luncheon year in and year out to help raise funds for its many endeavors. The luncheon has raised more than $2.7 million up to this point.
The 25th annual luncheon brought hundreds of guests to the Saslaw residence in Sarasota on March 9. Guests mingled and enjoyed music from the ReMissions — a band composed of multitalented Moffitt figures led by president and CEO Dr. Patrick Hwu.
Dr. Shari Pilon-Thomas, senior member of the Immunology Department and Dr. Dana Ataya, associate member of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, served as the keynote speakers for this year.
The latest Mission Possible raised $300,000 for research at Moffitt Cancer Center.
