Cajun artist George Rodrigue once again shared his talents with Friends for Life and helped the no kill shelter bring in a whopping $450,000 during its "Night of Art for the Animals" at River Oaks Country Club. That high figure was thanks to a major fan who underwrote the entire cost of the evening.
An original of the artist's famed Blue Dog character, painted especially for the non-profit, brought in $45,000. In a further gesture on behalf of homeless animals, Rodrigue gifted each table holder and major sponsor with an autographed print of one of his iconic works.
Susan Pennebaker and Susan Bickley chaired the festive fundraiser that saw close to 500 partygoers not only get into the spirit by bidding heavily in the silent auction but also wave their rainbow of dinner napkins in the air as The Three Waiters (surprise entertainment) inspired them with a light operatic performance.
Legendary voice of the Houston Astros Milo Hamilton served as honorary chair. Joining him on the program were Friends for Life executive director Salise Shuttlesworth and State Sen. John Whitmire.
The party crowd included Don Sanders, Halina Dodd, Soraya and Scott McClelland, Ruth Ryan, Allison and Reese Ryan, Theresa and Jamie Hildreth, Carolyn Levy, Pokey Bolton, Angelica Sinisi and Christine Holland.
Matt and Jillian Kata, from left, with Allison and Reese Ryan at the Friends for Life Gala.
