Divas and Dogs brings together fashion and animal lovers

By Madison Bierl
| 10:30 a.m. March 21, 2026

Lakewood Ranch's Kathleen Flesch, Sonia Levy, Jane Imperiale and Peri Ann Aptaker dress for the Palm Royale-themed Divas and Dogs fundraiser that will benefit The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.

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The room was filled with energy as women in tropical-themed outfits and caftans, made their way through the crowd.

Although there was laughing and mingling, the women had gathered for a purpose.

The annual Divas and Dogs fundraiser, with a theme of Palm Royale, took place March 20 at Lakewood Ranch Country Club. Eight models strutted through the runway in fashions by Lilly Pulitzer.

Lakewood Ranch's Dianne Frestel attended the event for the first time last year and was happy to be back.

"The event is beyond fabulous," Frestel said. "I love the way it makes women feel valued, treasured and beautiful. And I genuinely believe pets rescue people more than people rescue pets. There’s nothing more unconditional than that love of a pet."

All proceeds raised will be donated to The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch for daily operations and medical care.

Dani Ziegler is the shelter director of The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch. She said Divas and Dogs is a way for animal lovers to dress up and make a difference.

"It's refreshing and nice to see so many people care so much, wanting to help our shelter and our animals," Ziegler said. "They have such a big heart to help us."

Lakewood Ranch's Bonnie Femec has been attending Divas and Dogs for years and said it is her favorite event because of the effort put into it.

"The profits go to fur babies who have no voice," Femec said. "The theme and decorations each year are beyond amazing."

Divas and Dogs raised $85,000 last year. Susan Giroux is the chair for the event.

"It's wonderful to have so much community involvement, because we are such a good cause," Giroux said. "All of our animals are rescued within the community, so it's important that people support us."

Dani Ziegler, the shelter director of The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch, gets kisses from 8-week-old puppy, Bobbin, who is available for adoption.

Lake Club's Bonnie Frye wins the best themed outfit award by getting the most and loudest claps from the audience.

The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch's Morgan Tinl, Lucy Kisela and Mora Jordan greet guests of Divas and Dogs with the help of 8-week-old puppies Zipper, Bobbin and Tailor.

River Club's Mary Madick greets 8-week-old Chihuahua mix, Tailor, before she enters Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club for Divas and Dogs.

Model Lauren Reddington, who is the owner of Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming Lakewood Ranch, says she is similar to a golden retriever because she is warm, sociable and dependable.

Lakewood Ranch's Dianne Frestel and Lin Runge stop to greet Lucy Kisela and 8-week-old puppy, Bobbin, before heading into the Divas and Dogs event.

Lakewood Ranch's Nancy Lepain and Kathy Bello attend Divas and Dogs on March 20. The fundraiser will benefit The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.

Sarasota's Bev Cavazzi and Lakewood Ranch's Bonnie Femec socialize before the Divas and Dogs fashion show begins.

Model Cathy Adragna says she has walked the runway for Divas and Dogs for eight years and sees it as a way to socialize while helping animals in need.

Model Denise Little models a pearl dress from Lilly Pulitzer while walking the runway for Divas and Dogs on March 20.

Lakewood Ranch's Shari Nastri and Stephanie Wilkinson support Divas and Dogs on March 20.

Lakewood Ranch's Susie Tesoriere and Nancy Kaltenbach are modeling for Divas and Dogs for the first time. They say it's lots of fun for a good cause.

Lakewood Ranch's Johnna Sharp, Linda Dirk and Bonnie Frye are eager for the Divas and Dogs fashion show to begin. Dirk has been a volunteer for The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch for 14 years.

Usually a model for Divas and Dogs, Mary Jo Hansen wears a 40-year-old dress while supporting The Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch. Paul Giroux came in support of his wife, Susan Giroux, who is chair of Divas and Dogs.

Susan Giroux, the chair for Divas and Dogs, says the event raised $85,000 last year and she hopes to surpass that number this year.

Susan Jenkins, a model for Divas and Dogs, takes her outfit from Lilly Pulitzer to the next level by swinging a golf club.

Model Jill Wellinger walks the runway in a Lilly Pulitzer dress at the Divas and Dogs fundraiser.

Leslie Saslow, Frances Krak and Nancy Roscio take a selfie at Divas and Dogs on March 20.

author

Madison Bierl

Madison Bierl is the education and community reporter for the East County Observer. She grew up in Iowa and studied at the Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication at Iowa State University.