Cat Depot meows for Mardi Gras

Meow Masquerade was hosted March 29 at Hyatt Regency Sarasota.

  • By Kayleigh Omang
  • | 9:32 p.m. March 29, 2019
  • Black Tie
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Cat lovers had a catitude for gratitude March 29 at The Hyatt Regency Sarasota. 

Cat Depot hosted its annual gala, where cat people gathered to celebrate the past year of Cat Depot. Last year, 1,400 cats were adopted from the shelter and 6,000 cats went to the shelter's veterinary care clinic, the Rose Durham Cat Care Clinic.

The annual gala was themed to Mardi Gras, with greens, purples and golds decorating the ballroom of The Hyatt Regency Sarasota. Special guests Cali and Petunia were there for photo opportunities, as well as meet and greets with adoptable Cat Depot kittens. For those willing to "go full cat," Pixie Painting was there to face paint masks and whiskers on guests. For music, the lively Gumbo Boogie Band walked around with down-home instruments. 

After the cocktail hour, guests were seated in the ballroom for dinner and performances by the Circus Arts Conservatory. Dessert followed, and guests were able to find out who won the raffle drawing and silent auction items, while DJ Jay played music to end the evening. 

Executive Director Jackie Ott Jaakola and Chairwoman Alexis Meininguas
Executive Director Jackie Ott Jaakola and Chairwoman Alexis Meininguas
Adoptable kitten George.
Adoptable kitten George.
Ken Slavin, Rochelle Nigri and Art Killian
Ken Slavin, Rochelle Nigri and Art Killian
Lynn Epartington gets whiskers painted Suzy Kalin.
Lynn Epartington gets whiskers painted Suzy Kalin.
Kristina and Jessica Babcock with adoptable kittens Mrs. Brill and Bert
Kristina and Jessica Babcock with adoptable kittens Mrs. Brill and Bert
Cat items for people and cats were available in the silent auction.
Cat items for people and cats were available in the silent auction.
The Circus Arts Conservatory performed after dinner.
The Circus Arts Conservatory performed after dinner.
Tricia Settlecase and Kirk Fallin
Tricia Settlecase and Kirk Fallin
Lyam Langley and Ken Smith played music throughout cocktail hour in their band Gumbo Boogie Band.
Lyam Langley and Ken Smith played music throughout cocktail hour in their band Gumbo Boogie Band.
Amy Tuten and Pam Foster
Amy Tuten and Pam Foster
Allison Gregory and Peter Offringa
Allison Gregory and Peter Offringa
Brinton Smith and Mellonie Smicklas
Brinton Smith and Mellonie Smicklas
Cat items for people and cats were available in the silent auction.
Cat items for people and cats were available in the silent auction.
The Hyatt Regency Sarasota hosted Cat Depot's annual gala.
The Hyatt Regency Sarasota hosted Cat Depot's annual gala.
Each guest received traditional Mardi Gras gear at their place setting,
Each guest received traditional Mardi Gras gear at their place setting,
The centerpieces were themed to the evening.
The centerpieces were themed to the evening.
Paulette Parent
Paulette Parent
Jack and Dee Boenau
Jack and Dee Boenau
Dee Boenau shows off her cat leggings.
Dee Boenau shows off her cat leggings.
Tara Green, Cali and Brigette Wells
Tara Green, Cali and Brigette Wells

 

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