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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2017
Pet therapy volunteer Clyde Andrews with Bella Photos by Katie Johns
25th Anniversary
Co-Chairs Ellen Johnson and John Raleigh, president of the Board of Directors
Hot Dogs & Cool Cats Gala Saturday, Nov. 18, at Sarasota Yacht Club | Benefiting The Humane Society of Sarasota County KATIE JOHNS | COMMUNITY EDITOR
A
s guests arrived at the 25th annual Hot Dogs and Cool Cats Gala on Nov. 18, they were greeted with wagging tails and furry paws. Dogs from The Humane Society of Sarasota County lined the foyer of the Sarasota Yacht Club to remind attendees why the event was so important. Following cocktail hour, guests, who were dressed in their sparkliest and chicest black and silver attire to celebrate the event’s 25th year, sat down for dinner and a comedic live auction hosted by Les McCurdy and Ken Sons (also known as The Bermuda Mavericks). Before the laughing began, President of the Board of Directors John Raleigh and Executive Director Christen Benson welcomed the 117 guests to the gala. Benson shared with the crowd that the nonprofit organization was on track to find homes for 1,500 animals this year.
Above: Barbara Sammon with therapy dog Yukon Left: Tom and Janet Rice
Above: Susan and Michael Shroeder with Nancy and Mike Marciniak Left: Rescue dog Sparrow greeted guests as they arrived at cocktail hour.