The Humane Society of Sarasota County hosted its annual luncheon and fashion show March 29 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
By
Kayleigh Omang
| 3:17 p.m. March 29, 2018
Black Tie
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The 12th annual Paws on the Catwalk treated guests to a “purr-fect” day of shopping, socializing and puppy meet and greets March 29 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
The annual luncheon and fashion show benefits the Humane Society of Sarasota County and the animals it saves, heals and offers for adoption. In addition to raising money for the organization, the luncheon is added exposure for the dogs, puppies and kittens that attend, and some lucky four-legged guests get adopted by eventgoers.
After guests mingled amongst themselves and the furry friends, the luncheon started with remarks from Co-Chairwomen Donna Koffman and Tammy Karp, along with Executive Director Christen Benson and Honorary Chairwoman Jennifer Steube.
The live auction got guests’ attention right away. The auctioneer started with one lottery ticket and then committee members approached him with handfuls more. The fishbowl of lottery tickets was eventually overflowing and the bundle went for $2,600.
After a live auction, the paddle raise garnered $63,000 for the Humane Society.
The luncheon ended with a fashion show by INfluence Style, which featured several beachy summer looks.
Brock Gratton, Duncan Crowley, Jack Leaf, Rob Melberth, Co-Chairwomen Donna Koffman and Tammy Karp, Michael Johnson, John Wohlwend, Derek Eisemann and Blake Gratton
Executive Director Christen Benson and Sid Friedman
Montana Taplinger, Molly Lindberg and Laveda Keesling
Clara Villanueva and Jaime Still
Laura Garcia takes a photo of the kittens.
Laura Garcia and Sabrina with Penny Minges and Salem
Ashley Sweeney and Andee Ondina
Roscoe, a 6-month-old mixed breed, looks up for treats.
Michele Schlossberg and Stacie Baer
Tara Richards, Terri Najmolhoda and Jeff Hoffman
Saks Fifth Avenue displayed many different bags and clutches.
Tara Richards, Elaine Spang and Kathy Weisblat
Tina Gelmisi and Lori Carey
Lance, a former shelter pup turned therapy dog, greets guests with his owner, Nan Miller.
Guests shopped throughout cocktail hour.
Lucretia Truffile and Connie Schey with Junior.
Debra and David Eldridge
Silvanna Medina and Rita Kunz
Bernard and Sharron Marlow with Junior
Succulents adorned the tables.
The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota was decorated with paper flowers by CC's Paper Artistry.
Scott and Jennifer Allen with Duncan Crowley
Ellen and Michael Johnson
Janet Boyden and Molly Laub
Scout & Molly's Boutique brought an assortment of hats, just in time for Pique Nique next week.
A signature drink was brought around for guests.
Bourbon & Bowties had several pieces of jewelry on display.
Local clothing stores brought in racks of clothes for sale.
Susan Malloy Jones and Sally Schule
Victoria Bowers gets her makeup done for the runway.
Victoria Bowers gets the finishing touches on her makeup done by Jess Marie Makeup.
Haley Mcelravy gets her makeup done.
Krystal Hall applies mascara to Haley Mcelravy.
Charlie Ann Syprett
Charlie Ann Syprett decked out her outfit with Boston Terrier accessories.
Barbara Verhey poses with a nine-week-old puppy.
Barbara Tye and Mary Jo Heider
A kitten available for adoption wakes up from a cat nap.
Co-Chairwomen Donna Koffman and Tammy Karp thank guests for coming.
Executive Director Christen Benson talks about her dog, Duke.
The first live auction item of the day was a jar full of lottery tickets from members of the committee.
Honorary Chairwoman Jennifer Steube and Florida Sen. Greg Steube address the audience.
The adoptable cats and dogs walked the runway before lunch.
Every dog and kitten who walked the runway was available for adoption.
Jet Blue Ambassador Barbara waits to see who is the winner of the roundtrip tickets to a location of the winner's choosing.
Dessert was a key lime creme brulee and Dachshund cookie.
The fashion show modeled clothes from INfluence Style.
All the fashions modeled were suited for summer.
Paws on the Catwalk was hosted at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
Blue and tan hues made an influence on the runway scene.
Hats were seen on a few of the models.
Proceeds from the luncheon benefitted the Humane Society of Sarasota County.
Many models showed off stylish bags and purses.
Bathing suits of all kinds were modeled.
Bathing suit coverups made an appearance.
All the pieces shown are from INfluence Style.
INfluence Style has two store locations.
The models smiled as they walked down the runway.
This is the 12th year of Paws on the Catwalk.
A model claps and smiles as she makes her final lap around the stage.
