Pet Love
Animal lovers and their special pals raise a record $700,000 for SPCA at gala
What: Houston SPCA "Animals' Best Friend Gala."
Where: The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa.
The 411: Zane and Brady Carruth chaired the event that raised a record of more than $700,000 for the non-profit that gives orphaned, abused and neglected animals a second chance at life.
More than 300 animal lovers were on hand to help raise the funds and pay tribute to the honorees — State Rep. Jessica Farrar, Doug Pitcock, Carroll Robertson Ray, Kay and Steve Stevens and Barbara and former President George H. W. Bush, the latter of whom were unable to attend.
Veteran radio journalist and animal lover Lana Hughes served as emcee for the program that included a presentation by Houston SPCA president Patricia E. Mercer.
Who: Valerie and Tracy Dieterich, Brittany and Adam Clark, Kathy and Brian Smyth, Carla Knobloch, Dr. Mark Van Ness, Hugh Ray, Doug Pitcock, one well-dressed kitten and a Western screech owl.
