THANK YOU!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all your support of Fashion for Paws!

Together, we raised more than $725,000 for homeless animals, and I individually raised more than $43,000! WOW!

The event was a huge success – I was honored to walk down the runway with my friend, Peter’s dog Milo! He was such a good boy the entire time! Thanks to Nicole Miller and Tyson’s Galleria for providing the adorable skirt and top I wore, Judith Bright Jewelry for the gorgeous jewels, and on and on and on!

But this could not have been done without, of course, the beautiful, talented and passionate Tara de Nicolas. This woman is the brains and the beauty behind the production. Aba Kwawu of the Aba Agency, Syzygy Events for the production and stage, TOKA Salon for fixing our hair and makeup and SO SO many more!

And for the celebrities that showed up! Marie Osmond, who actually adopted an adorable puppy from Washington Humane! Ashlan Gorse of E! who served as our emcee for the night and many other notables in attendance. If you made it to the event, you know how much fun it was! But don’t worry – here are a ton of pictures! http://nikkibontv.shutterfly.com/1020

Although it was not about me, I do have to mention that thanks to all your donations, I was named Washingtonian Fundraiser of the Year for raising the most money ever by one person for the event. So thank you!

The event also got a TON of press! Here are just a few from the likes of Washington Post, Elle, E!, People, Bloomberg,

Fashion for Paws 2012 Media Clips so far:

Elle: http://fashion.elle.com/culture/2012/04/16/doggy-style-or-canine-couture/?photo=8#jump

Bloomberg: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-04-16/scene-in-d-dot-c-dot-marie-osmond-at-fashion-for-paws

Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/reliable-source/post/fashion-for-paws-a-young-peoples-gala-comes-of-age/2012/04/15/gIQAzQR5JT_blog.html

Revamp.com: http://www.revamp.com/story.php?StoryID=1740

Bisnow Scene: http://www.bisnow.com/washington_dc_the_scene_news_story.php?p=23246

People: http://www.peoplepets.com/people/pets/article/0,,20587475,00.html

PamelasPunch: http://www.pamelaspunch.com/what-drives-fashion-for-paws/

NBC4: http://ohmygoff.tv/theblog/marie-osmond-adopts-puppy-at-fashion-for-paws/

ABC7: http://ht.ly/aicsY

Biz Journal: http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/print-edition/2012/04/27/the-back-page.html?s=image_gallery

Fresh FM/CBS Radio: http://947freshfm.radio.com/2012/04/15/marie-osmond-takes-the-fashion-for-paws-stage-leaves-with-a-puppy/

Fresh FM/CBS Video:  http://947freshfm.radio.com/2012/04/16/fashion-for-paws-2012-video/

Hollywood on the Potomac: http://hollywoodonthepotomac.blogspot.com/2012/04/by-georgeshe-did-it.html?spref=fb&fb_source=message

Washington Life: http://washingtonlife.smugmug.com/2012PHOTOS/Fashion-For-Paws-2012-pt-2/22529534_rWnfdn#!i=1802616852&k=mS4g8TM

 F4P Runway Recap video: http://youtu.be/dOQnB3LkfX8

DC Magazine: http://www.modernluxury.com/dc/scene/going-the-dogs/img49707

Guest of a Guest: http://teddyhilton.com/2012-04-16-marie-osmond-adopted-a-crazy-cute-puppy-from-a-fashion-show?relate

Teddy Hilton: http://teddyhilton.com/2012-04-16-marie-osmond-adopted-a-crazy-cute-puppy-from-a-fashion-show?relate

National Enquirer: http://www.nationalenquirer.com/celebrity/marie-osmond-adoption-secret

Georgetown Dish: http://www.thegeorgetowndish.com/thedish/nbm-hosts-fashion-paws-fundraiser

Getty Images: http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/Search/Search.aspx?EventId=142978265&EditorialProduct=Entertainment

K Street Kate: http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=0-IqaBLLX74

Socially Superlative: http://sociallysuperlative.com/2012/05/01/6th-annual-fashion-for-paws-runway/

Black-tie DC: http://www.blacktie-dc.com/photos/photodetail.cfm?id=3495#top_of_photo

And, last but not least, here’s just a little shout-out to all my donors:

-Martin Bryant

-Tonya Wallace

-Chris and Nicki Capbert of Cinderollies

-Megan Healey

-Alyce Burdine

-Laura Burdine

-Melissa Etezadi

-Justin Williams

-Ajun Rishi

-Sunanda Patel

-Yaode Tseng

-Ananda Rochita

-Becky Ostroski

-Shervin Jalali

-Torrey Shallcross

-Mark Rucker

-Gloria Phung

-Kevin Riordan

-Natalie Marano

-Timmy O’Brien

-Cuong Phung

-Peter Phung

-Larry Hackett

-Kendall Gemmill

-Jummy Olabanji

-Mark Drapeau

-Mike Manzo

-Matt O’Neill

-Cameron Gray

-Michelle Parrish

-Burke Hanson

-Michael and Jessi Betz

-John Lee

-Khalid al-Faisal

-Patrick Merchent

-Michael Ragland

-Beau Alford

-William Harrod

-Donna Rice

Mutt Strut!

The time is almost here – this SATURDAY is Lexington Humane Society’s Mutt Strut! LEX 18 News has a team that will be walking to raise money for homeless animals. We are asking for YOUR help!

To make a donation - click here. 

Ever wonder about what kind of a difference your money really makes? Trust me, it does…but if my word isn’t enough, listen to Buffy’s story. Click here to read more.

Hello!  It’s me, Buffy, and I wanted to thank everyone for their support this past week.  The hundreds of LHS animals and I truly appreciate your kind thoughts and generosity. 

Before I came to LHS, I lead a life of loneliness, neglect, and pain.  My sad, former life was obvious as I was covered in gigantic mats of hair from head to toe, so much so, the staff could not even determine if I was a boy or a girl.  I was in so much pain that I could hardly move.  Thankfully LHS was there for me and four man-hours and over five pounds of shaved mats later, I emerged from my restful sleep a beautiful, young lady. 

This past week has been a whirlwind and I’ve been a busy girl getting ready for my debut at Mutt Strut.  I’ve been on medication for a nasty ear infection and another round of antibiotics to help heal my skin.  I also had surgery for a prolapsed gland in my right eye, which was caused from constant eye irritation due to my severe mats.  Fortunately I’ve made a fantastic recovery, am receiving great medical care, lots of delicious food and of course tons of TLC. 

I’ve heard the staff talking about me and my habits, and I must admit everything they say is true—I love attention and treats, but what doggie doesn’t?  I like relaxing on my bed and enjoy several blissful naps a day.  I don’t mind having puppy or kitty friends, rather I enjoy company!   And yes, I am a super sweet dog that deserves an amazing home. 

With your help, we can continue to raise money for other LHS animals like me who deserve a second chance.  YOU CAN HELP by sharing my story and making a donation to my page today – every dollar will make a difference!

A big thank you for your support!

Will you help me be the best Mutt Strut Spokes-Dog ever?  Please, DONATE NOW and help me reach my goal of $8,000.  Every dollar makes a difference!

Or, if you would like to walk in the event yourself, you can! It’s not too late…

More information about Lexington Humane Society here. 

Cupcakes for a Cause

As if you need another reason to eat delicious cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake. But here you go… Proceeds go to homeless animals!

Buy a Fashion for Paws cupcake from Georgetown Cupcakes, and  100% of the proceeds will go to Fashion for Paws, benefiting Washington Humane Society!

YUM!

F4P – It’s Almost Time!

Get ready! I’m so excited I can’t stand it! Still want to help make a difference? Donate here! NO amount is too small!

Wagging to the Runway: Fashion For Paws Breaks Fundraising Records Before April 14^th Event With Over $556,000 Raised

(Washington, DC – April 3, 2012)  – On April 14, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. the Fashion for Paws (F4P) 6^th annual Runway Show event designed by Syzygy Events International will take place at the National Building Museum to benefit the Washington Humane Society (WHS). Since the event’s February 6^th fundraising launch, F4P models, sponsors and committee have raise more than $556,000 for the cause, surpassing the $529,000 raised in 2011, closing in on the $625,000 goal for 2012. WHS plans to meet the goal with an impressive silent auction and spectacular prizes with a Golden Ticket opportunity.

E! News Now anchor and E! News personality Ashlan Gorse will host the puppy-studded event. A Hollywood insider and permanent fixture on the red carpet who has covered the Oscars, Emmys, Golden Globes and Grammys, Ashlan is a true animal lover, adopting her beloved dog from a rescue group 1 and a half years ago. Fashion For Paws plans to announce other star guests closer to the event date.

This year, F4P secured over 60 top-notch participants, raising a minimum of $5,000 each to model clothes from the retailers of Tysons Galleria. Over 45 dog models will be dressed by Wagtime, LLC. Five high-roller model fundraising participants will duke it out for top fundraising spots; 1 -  Susan Ostrowski ($26,200.00), 2 -  Nikki Burdine ($20,020.00), 3 -  Sara Nielsen ($17,888.00), 4 -  Lindsey Becker ($16,590.00), 5 -  Mark Rothman ($16,020.00).

The event will be co-chaired by Michelle Benaim, Dr. Ashley Hughes, Tommy McFly and Sara Nielsen, with Pamela Sorensen as our Master of Ceremonies.

With over 60 VIP seated tables of six people ranging from $3000 to $10,000, table diners will be served a three-course meal by sponsor Design Cuisine and will sip free-flowing Moet Imperial. The event will have 450 VIP runway show style seats behind the tables and 800 general attendees in the main section. The Benefactors reception for all VIP’s, sponsors and table buyers will begin at 7:00 p.m. and all other F4P guests will begin at 8:00 p.m. Due to the level of VIP attendees and excitement of a SURPRISE VIP in attendance, F4P security has increased by 4x what was in years past, thanks to security sponsor, Thiero & Associates LLC.

More than 1700 F4P attendees will revel in the transformation of the National Building Museum on April 14^th, designed by Syzygy Events International, Digital Lightning, Design Cuisine and Edge Floral Event Designers, etc., donating a combined total of more than $350,000 in set design, production, lighting, sound, staging, food, flowers and more. F4P’s volunteer Chief Creative Officer and Partner of Syzygy Events International, Marielle Shortell, is responsible for envisioning and executing the entire layout and design of the event, “This year’s Fashion for Paws design was inspired by the ‘very sexy’ Victoria’s secret campaign in Miami and will include a vivid Floridian sunset of colors- ranging from hot fuchsia , blood orange , vibrant yellow, and lime green- in an exciting ombré effect,” said Shortell.

Opening the show this year the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) will outdo their collection from last year. FIDM will create ten individual human and doggie couture pieces to open the show before our F4P models, dressed in Tysons Galleria’s luxury retailers from Elie Tahari, Nicole Miller, Betsey Johnson , 7 for all Mankind , Karen Millen, Sarar, Basler, Aram , Anne Fontaine to Vineyard Vines take the runway. Hair will be done by Toka Salon & Day Spa and make-up with be done by Bride Makeover.

Thank you to our F4P Runway Show Sponsors: Syzygy Events International, Digital Lightning, Design Cuisine, Audi, Danaher, Nave & Associates, Moet Imperial, bisnow media corp, Kim Crawford Wines, Centurion Group DC, Cherry Blossom Events, Mars Foundation, SVEDKA Vodka, UBS Wealth Management/William B. Finnerty, Edge Floral Event Designers, Georgetown Cupcake, Washington Fine Properties/Nelson Marban, ABC7-WJLA, Alliance Interactive, Fresh FM, Tysons Galleria, Toka Salon & Spa, The Aba Agency, Qatar Airways, Reston Limo, Teatro Goldoni, Bride Makeover, RNDC, Cities Restaurant, Onomonomedia, PamelasPunch, Wagtime, Thiero & Associates LLC, Moshe Zusman Photography, THE Artist Agency, FIDM, George, Atlantic Valet, Pink Berry, Pretzel Crisps, Love Pops, Professional Bartending School, CA Indoor, Renu Med Spa, My Truck Buddy, Uber.

For more information and a full list of 2012 models, committee members and sponsors please visit: www.fashionforpaws.org and click on the Annual Runway Show and/or call or e-mail the media contact above.

 

Fashion for Paws® (F4P) benefiting the Washington Humane Society (WHS) began in 2007 with the first spring Runway Show raising $1.5 million dollars so far. In the fall of 2009 building off of the brand already created through the annual spring Runway Show, Fashion for Paws launched into a year round program, raising funds all year long through an array of themed fringe events, product merchandising, corporate sponsorships, individual gifts, and social marketing/new media, in addition to the annual Runway Show based in Washington, DC.

WHS, the only Congressionally-chartered animal welfare agency in the United States, has been the Washington, DC area’s leading voice for animals since 1870. As the only open-access shelter in the Nation’s Capital, WHS provides comfort and care to nearly 30,000 animals each year through its broad range of programs and services including sheltering, adoption, spay and neuter, CatNiPP, humane law enforcement, lost and found, human–animal therapy programs and humane education in city schools. Visit: www.washhumane.org for more info on WHS.

Fashion for Paws – 1 week away!

We are just a little over a week away from the big event – Fashion for Paws! 

Thank you to all who have donated – I’ve officially raised more money for the Humane Society than I did my first year as a reporter. Right now, I’ve raised just over $20,000 for the homeless animals of the DC area. THANK YOU to all who have donated!

Looking forward to the big event – I’ll be walking down the runway wearing a dress by Nicole Miller (yes!) and my best accessory – will be my friend Peter’s chihuahua (pictured above). How adorable, seriously?! Can’t wait to see what outfit the pup will be dressed in!

Years past – I’ve walked with Fred, my friend Barb & Josh’s bulldog and Jarhead, my parents chocolate lab! (pictured below)

Still want to donate? Much obliged! You can throw cash my way until April 13th at 5pm! Donate here!

Fixed, and FABULOUS!

As an animal lover, I can’t express how important it is to have your pets fixed. It’s your responsibility as a pet owner, animal lover, and member of society. The homeless animals across the country should make it blatantly clear, reproduction is not something they’re lacking.

This post stems from Lexington Humane’s latest campaign – Fixed and Fabulous! They’re asking pet owners who have adorably altered animals – to share their pictures on their Facebook page!

Often when I go out on stories for work, I see homeless animals (I usually try to sneak them in the live truck to take home, but my photographer inevitably denies me), animals neglected, and animals that are not fixed. Meaning, there will be more neglected and homeless animals where they come from. I remember specifically having a conversation with a 12-year-old girl in a rural part of Kentucky about her cats. She was sitting in her back yard, playing with about 8 cats. They were adorable, and so was she. It was clear she loved her pets. One thing that was also clear: She had not been properly educated about how to take care of her pets. I asked her where she got her cats (hoping, but doubting they had been adopted), she responded that the neighborhood cat had a couple of litters. I asked her if she got her cats fixed, her response: “No! I love animals! Why would I do that?” This is why education is so important: Altering an animal is not hurting them. It does not mean you aren’t an animal lover. In fact, it means you care more about them.

So while you reading this post may understand this, chances are the people you come in contact everyday do not. If you come across a situation like I did, make sure you express to the pet owner why it’s so important to fix their pets.

If lack of funds is their excuse – tell them about the local humane society, which undoubtedly offers a low-income spay clinic.

Contact your local shelter for more information. You never know – that one conversation you have could save lives.

March Madness!

Meow. During March Madness, Lexington Humane Society is asking businesses to host “Casual for a Cause” days in support of LHS.

It’s a fun way to get your employees involved in a good cause – and some comfy clothes! If you or your company are interested in hosting a casual for the Cats day – contact Madison at LHS - mcarey@lexingtonhumanesociety.org!

Funds raised from this will benefit Our Future Fund.

130 Dogs Abandoned

To help, visit their website here. Donations can also be dropped off at the shelter.

Marion County Animal Shelter
1105 Highway 208
Lebanon KY 40033
Phone: (270) 692-0464
Email: mcas@windstream.net

Tails & Ales

It’s one of my most favorite events of the year in Lexington – Tails & Ales! Beer, friends and cute puppies. I don’t know how it could get any better. And now, tickets are on sale!

This event always sells out, so buy your tickets asap!  

The big event is on February 3rd from 7 – 10 at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort. It’s the 5th year, and promises to be better than ever. They’ll be adorable puppies of course up for adoption—like the little guy pictured below who was there last year! And of course, lots of beer. Buy your tickets for $55 and enjoy unlimited samples of different and local beers… hors d’oeuvres, and music.

Shop for Good!

Kentucky friends! This Christmas, head to the Lexington Humane to do your Christmas shopping! Yes they have oodles of adorable puppies, kitties, big dogs, little dogs, cats, bunnies etc… But they also have a special Holiday Shop with toys and presents galore! And not just for your four-legged friend, the shop is filled with cute little outfits for children, deco for the home, and tons of other great gifts. Best part? Everything there benefits the Humane Society!

Can’t make it to LHS? Shop online here!