Project Ruffway a Huge Success!
Canine couture met feline fashion at Project Ruffway, presented by the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Dallas, benefiting the SPCA of Texas, on Saturday, April 2 from 7 to 10 p.m. Co-chairs Betsy Orton and Brian Walker, along with Honorary Chair, Dallas County Commissioner Dr. Elba Garcia, celebrated the special bond between people and pets at the gorgeously over-the-top event.
Steve Kemble, Master of Ceremonies, graced the catwalk as 30 gorgeous, graceful models strutted their stuff with well-dressed doggies on their arms. Most of the dogs were up for adoption at the SPCA of Texas, while others were already pampered pets.
Guests hobnobbed with the adoptable dogs and cats in the adoption lobby of the ever-stunning Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center as they sipped wine, bubbly and the evening’s signature drink, the Cat’s Meow (a delightfully purple concoction of Equality Vodka, white cranberry juice, pineapple juice and raspberry Schnapps with a lime garnish). Noshes included savory and sweet delights from Bolsa Mercado, Mattito’s Tex-Mex, Steel Restaurant & Lounge and MLJ Catering
. The funds raised from Project Ruffway will provide for a new Emergency Rescue Vehicle for the Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit at the SPCA of Texas
. “This vehicle will change the course of many lives,” said Katy Murray, SPCA of Texas Board Chair. “Where there was no medical care, food or water, shelter or warmth, a place to rest or a place to play, all of things will now become available to those animals. Each of you, by showing your support tonight for the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Dallas and the SPCA of Texas, has chosen to be the vehicle to make a difference in the lives of animals and we are so very grateful.”
Project Ruffway was a tremendous success thanks to event chairs Betsy Orton and Brian Walker. The event committee includes Steve Atkinson, Robert Baker, Derek Case, Sharon Fancher, Mathieu Ulmschneider and Lindsey Webb.
Models included: Cordell Adams, Lynn Bahr, Shelle Carrig, David Chard, Phyllis Comu, Leo Cusimano, Becky Frey, Don Gaiser, Rodd Gray, Kristen Greenberg, Tiffany Hendra, Geoffrey Henning, Cmaeron Hernholm, Gus Hinojosa, Angel Irvin, Ted Kincaid, LeeAnne Locken, Terry Loftis, Carol Meyer, Katy Murray, Lauren Mutti, Lisa Petty, Brad Pritchett, Derek Selders, Cooper Smith Koch, Terri Tomlinson, Giovanna Valderrama, Amy Vanderoef, Shane Walker and Jocelyn White.
In Kind Sponsors
Dillard’s NorthPark Center – Fashion Sponsor
Jennifer Miller and Paul Paredes – DJs
Terri Tomlinson Make Up Training Academy – Make-up Sponsor
Ryan Chambers Beauty - Hair Sponsor
Steve Kemble – Event MC
Dallas Light and Sound – AV & Staging Sponsor
Rhonda Sargent Chambers, RSC Show Productions - Fashion Show Coordinator
Kristina Bowman Photography - Photography Sponsor
Jim Moss, DFW Photography – Guest Door Photography Sponsor
Shane Walker of Flower Reign - Florist Sponsor
RSC Show Productions – Fashion Show Coordinator
ES Collection
Heineken
E&J Gallo
Hollywood Feed
Equality Vodka
Kitten Krewe Sponsors: E&J Gallo, Scott & Kristen Greenberg, Grover Hart III & Charles Foster, Hollywood Feed – Lovers Lane and Wendy Krispin Caterer;
Horse Handlers Sponsors: Steve Atkinson & Ted Kincaid, Mark Ault & Ken Halliday, Pam Buchmeyer & Shellie Crandall, Marla Custard & Karen McCrocklin, Roberto de la Cruz & Paul Polanco, Dillard’s NorthPark Center, Thomas H. Fagadau, Sharon Fancher & Betsy Orton, Kathy Hewitt & Steve Habgood, Enrique MacGregor & Mark Niermann, Thom Maciula & C. Fish Greenfield, The Carol Meyer & Patrick Fontana Group of Merrill Lynch, Jay Oppenheimer, Nancy Pearce, Steven Pounders, MD & Jimmy O’Reilly, Julie Sandoval, Brian Walker & John Dixon and Dar Williams & Stephanie Barker;
Critter Council Sponsors: Art & Juliann Barkley, Phil Boustani & Ted Schweizer, John Carlo & Art Bloodworth, David Chard & Richard Lena, John Clements, Rob Elmore & Phillip Murrell, Alex Garcia, Dr. Elba Garcia, Dallas County Commissioner for District 4, Michael Garrison, Katy Trail Animal Hospital, Michael Kaufman & Durward Watson, Jill Klores, Komons Financial, Cleo Lindsey-Orta, Peyton Lindsey-Orta, Larry Lyles, Anne Marcom & Carol Williams, Dillon Maydard-Duffey, Jerrett Morris and Jef Tingley, North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce, Keith Nix, Kathy & John Orton, Outback Roofing LLC, Dr. Mark Parker & Eric Johnson, Lucilo Pena & Lee Cobb, Robb Puckett & Chuck Daniel, Billy Rodriguez & Blaine Knous, Maggie Mae Stracener, Strait Up Chiropractic, PLLC, Molly FatDog & Maggie SkinnyDog Tingley-Morris, Michael Veale, Sandra Zamora and Karen Zeligson.
Make a Gift Today
The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Dallas is committed to helping the SPCA of Texas rescue, heal and find homes for animals in need in North Texas. Your donation to Project Ruffway today will be included as part of a collective gift that will recognize Gay & Lesbian Fund for Dallas in the purchase of life-saving supplies, including an Emergency Rescue Vehicle, that will enable the SPCA of Texas' Animal Cruelty Investigatios Unit to rescue thousands of animals from abuse or neglect.