It was a poochie party on Valentine's Day when the ballroom of the Omni Houston Hotel was delightfully overrun with dogs for the Saturday brunch that raised $100,000 for Interfaith Ministries' aniMeals on Wheels program.
The second annual Best Friends Brunch featured a Top Pet Fashion Show and awarding of the aniMeals on Wheels Top Dog Award to Jesse, Sonia Soto's friendly pooch. While pet owners warmed up for the show over midday cocktails, the dogs grazed through the ground-level feeding station created for their dining pleasure by Doggiee Snack Bar.
Teena Davis, Wendy Phillips and Kristy Phillips chaired the event with funds dedicated to the program that feeds the hungry pets of Meals on Wheels homebound seniors. Host committee members Bruce Padilla and Shelby Kibodeaux and auction chair Kim Padgett contributed to the success.
Bringing home the mission of the luncheon, a Meals on Wheels senior gave testimony to the importance of providing food for the pets of homebound seniors, who sometimes sacrifice their own food for their four-legged friends.
Joining the effort were Jessica Rossman, Dr. Angela Strum, Mary Benton, Jennifer Roosth, Barbara Van Postman, Elizabeth Stein, Erin Hicks, Susan Boggio, Debra and Stephen Costello, Laurette Veres, Karen and Jay Harberg and Jodie Eisenhardt.
Laurette Veres, left, and Tara Brivic.
