Hot Dogs and Cool Cats Gala raises a paw to 25 years
The 25th annual "Hot Dogs and Cool Cats Gala" raised funds for the Humane Society of Sarasota County.
By
Katie Johns
| 11:03 p.m. November 18, 2017
Black Tie
Share
As guests arrived at the 25th annual “Hot Dogs and Cool Cats” Gala on Nov. 18, they were greeted with wagging tails and furry paws.
Rescue and therapy dogs from The Humane Society of Sarasota County lined the foyer of the Sarasota Yacht Club to remind attendees why the event was so important.
Following a cocktail hour, guests, who were dressed in their sparkliest and chicest black and silver attire, sat down for dinner, a presentation and comedic live auction hosted by Les McCurdy and Ken Sons, also known as The Bermuda Mavericks. Auction items included a Bordeaux wine tour and a three-hour cruise on “The Golden Eagle III” on Sarasota Bay.
Before the laughing began, President of the Board of Directors John Raleigh and Humane Society Executive Director Christen Benson welcomed the 117 guests to the gala. Benson shared with the crowd that the nonprofit organization was on track to find homes for 1,500 animals this year.
Event co-chairs Ellen Johnson and President of the Board of Directors John Raleigh
Wendell Anderson and Beverley Albertson
Darlene LaForge and Ronda Kranicke pet Mavi during cocktail hour.
Rescue dog Sparrow greeted guests as they arrived at cocktail hour.
Trude and Phil Smith
Humane Society Community Outreach Coordinator Ginny Armington and pet therapy volunteer Marsha Andrews with Mimmie, who is available for adoption at the Humane Society.
Daniel Hodous and Catherine Sparks
Pet therapy volunteer Clyde Andrews with Bella
Janet Boyden and Jeff Waddle
Darlene LaForge and Ronda Kranicke with Mavi
The 25th annual “Hot Dogs and Cool Cats” gala brought 117 guests to the Sarasota Yacht Club.
Kirk and Chris Voelker
Mary and Kevin Berkebile
Patrick and Erin Duggan
Robert Frimmel and Kimberly Tocci
Wylie and Nancy Royce
Virginia and Jeff Charlotte
Katie and James Schwabach
Barbara Sammon with therapy dog Yukon
Steve Lansing and Christy Allen
Tom and Janet Rice
Susan and Michael Shroeder and Nancy and Mike Marciniak
Nancy Cason, Leticia Carney and Joanna Roberti
Janet Bausch and Jackie and Michael Poritz
Barbara Sammon with therapy dog Yukon
Jedd Heap and Karissa Mayer
Walt and Barbara Carey
Murray Devine and Ashley Light
Tom Ross, Sally Trout and Nancy and Wylie Royce
Andrew Pepper and Jeanie Presler
Clyde, who is available for adoption at the Humane Society, greeted guests as they arrived at cocktail hour.
Tim and Kate Liles
Humane Society Executive Director Christen Benson welcomes guests to the 25th annual Hot Dogs and Cool Cats Gala.
