Two years ago, the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch put four puppies up for adoption, so Matthew Vander Wyden arrived at the rescue two hours early.
“I wouldn’t have gotten one of those puppies if I didn’t,” he said. “The one that we have, Coco, kept coming up and untying my shoes. I’d retie them, and she’d come back to untie them.”
Vander Wyden was so impressed with the facility and the staff that he’s been a donor ever since.
He and about 240 others attended HSLWR’s annual Divas and Dogs fashion show on March 15 at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
The event’s chair, Susan Giroux, revolved the luncheon and show around the theme “Summer in Newport.”
“We live in paradise, but Newport is a paradise in the summer,” she said. “Every spring, I think about the hydrangeas, the water, the lobster and clam chowder and just always want to go back.”
The gift bags included a recipe for Black Pearl New England clam chowder and a pack of oyster crackers. Each guest also received a big, red sugar cookie in the shape of a lobster.
The fashions were provided by Sara Campbell. Before the first outfit hit the ballroom, HSLWR had already raised over $50,000 through sponsorships.
With over 130 silent auction items up for grabs and a pay-to-play game, Giroux said the nonprofit was on track to net $90,000. Funds raised will go towards operating expenses.
“Medical is a big expense for us,” Giroux said. “We take dogs and cats that have injuries, and we have to make sure we can fix them up.”
Mary Jo Hansen leads the models for the final walk.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Matthew Vander Wyden shows off a picture of his dog Coco.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Debbie Allen struts her stuff for the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Susan Giroux is the chair of Divas and Dogs.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Cathy Adragna strikes a pose at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Susan Jenkins models in the Divas and Dogs fashion show on March 15.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Jill Wellinger models for the Humane Society's Divas and Dogs fashion show.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Twins Stephanie Little and Stacey Clevenger have volunteered for the same Wednesday night shift at the shelter for 10 years.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Debbie Allen, Stephenie Frasher, Cathy Adragna, Pamela Reilly, Susan Jenkins, Jill Wellinger, MaryJo Hansen, Kim Rummel and Gail Ward model the clothes provided by Sara Campbell.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Patrice McGarrity, Jeff Hoffman and Katrin Zszhage are selling Jo Malone candles and cologne, then donating 10% of the proceeds to the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Teresa Ramallo and Lynne Godofsky attend Divas and Dogs on March 15. Godofsky is leaving with a silent auction prize.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Veterinarian Leigh Samanowitz stands with board members Cindy Jackson, JoAnn Nicholas and Joanne Terwilliger.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
Gwen and Scott McKenna have three dogs and are major donors to the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
The giftbags are on theme with lobster cookies and other goodies reminiscent of Rhode Island.
Photo by Lesley Dwyer
About 240 people attend the Divas and Dogs fashion show at the Lakewood Ranch Country Club on March 15.
Lesley Dwyer is a staff writer for East County and a graduate of the University of South Florida. After earning a bachelor’s degree in professional and technical writing, she freelanced for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Lesley has lived in the Sarasota area for over 25 years.
