On Saturday, November 8, 2008, the Montgomery County Humane Society hosted Dances with Dogs in downtown Bethesda at the Hyatt Regency. Over 200 well-dressed pet lovers and their equally well-dressed canine companions enjoyed the festivities at this benefit dinner and auction, celebrating 50 years of compassion. Check out the pictures!
Victoria Jones, White House Correspondent for Talk Radio News Service and a cat room volunteer, said, “It’s my great honor to be here hosting this worthy charity event, especially on this particular night.”
The highlight of the evening was presentation of the Humanitarian of the Year award, reserved for an individual who has shown incomparable compassion, unmatched devotion, and an endless supply of love. Nick Gilman, interim executive director, founder of Humane Logic and a sponsor of the event, presented the prestigious award to Denise Machado.
Denise Machado has fostered over 1,600 animals and focuses on those with special needs. “While I am helping the animals, they are also helping me,” she said.
Special guest Grace Lee and her husband Ken introduced Katie, the newest member of their family, and thanked the many members of the MCHS community -– vets, fosters, educators and school children -– who helped restore this adorable little dachshund to health and cover costs of her care. Katie had come to the shelter in the winter, emaciated and sick from diabetes. As adoptive mom, Grace Lee encouraged guests to stay involved. “Your continued loyal support will be critical to enable MCHS to continue their important work.”
Entertainment of the evening included a 50th anniversary commemorative video produced by Dave Barrish; canine freestyle performance by Joell Silverman and her poodle, Edgar Allen Poo; best dressed contest sponsored by The Posh Pooch and MacArthur Pet Shop; and alumni pet parade.
The four-legged attendees were treated like kings and queens, receiving heart-shaped treats donated by Annie’s Pooch Pops at the door, TTouch treatments compliments of Woodside TTouch, photography by HiTEK Studio, and caricatures. Living Ruff, Nature’s Variety, Merrick, and Bentley’s Barkery had an impressive spread of food and treats at the Doggie Bar.
Door prizes were sponsored by MCT Federal Credit Union and Mars Veterinary, distributors of wisdom panel mixed DNA tests, helpful tool for owners trying to decode their rescued Heinz 57s.
Among event attendees were Andrea Roane, anchor for W*USA 9; Leslie Rosenthal, owner of The Posh Pooch in Bethesda; Nick Gilman, founder of Humane Logic and event sponsor; and Debby Rales, who purchased our most upscale live auction item, a VIP trip to MGM in Las Vegas.
In-Kind Sponsors
American Plant Food; Annie's Pooch Pops; Aquaticca Salon;
Bentley's Barkery; Carter’s Carpet and Flooring; Doody Calls;
Gamble McCown Graphic Design; Haute Diggity Dog;
HiTEK Studio; Hyatt Regency Bethesda; MCT Federal Credit Union; MacArthur Pet Shop; Paul’s of Chevy Chase; Petfinder.com;
PetHabitats; The Posh Pooch; Red Barn; Souleyret & Associates;
Sundown Ridge; Swank Audio Visual;
Victoria Jones, Talk Radio News Service; West Paw; Whole Pet Central
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