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
  • Share

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

 

Latest News

Angie Cupp uses a tractor and landscaping rake attachment to clean Longboat Key beaches of debris.
  • May 25, 2026
Beach raking cleans the shoreline but comes with erosion concerns
Though Florida Power & Light employs a variety of advanced technology to avoid power failures, often the basic work of tree trimming goes a long way toward heading off trouble.
  • May 24, 2026
With our deep dependence on power, FPL gears up to keep the lights on
A rendering of the 12U baseball/softball fields five-plex that will be built at UMR Sports complex in East County.
  • May 23, 2026
Expansion 'gets real' at UMR Sports of Bradenton
Grant's Gardens has a two-bay garage at 525 Gulf Bay Road, and is proposing to build an office building on the lot across the street at 524 Gulf Bay Road.
  • May 23, 2026
Landscaping company seeks expansion in Longboat Key

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content