by contributor Wendy Gordon
Photo credit: Brendan Kownacki
Cue the lights, camera, collars, leashes, wagging tails and pooper scoopers. On Wednesday, February 4th, the Annual Sugar & Champagne Affair to benefit The Washington Humane Society was held at The Ronald Reagan International Trade Center.
The Pops by Haley team with their canine friend and honored our local animal crusaders while raising critical funds to help care for the homeless pet population in our nation’s capital. Of course, the 2015 Sugar & Champagne Affair also brings out pet enthusiasts and owners along with their puppies, many decked out not only in fur, but in all of their finery.
Hosts Chef Todd Gray and Ellen Kassoff Gray (Equinox Restaurant and Salamander Resort & Spa) kicked off the event with a brand new addition, an ‘Exclusive Experience’ which provided special guests with a unique opportunity to make their own desserts like truffles, learn mixology from the masters, take part in exceptional demonstrations, and sample concoctions made, as the name implies, exclusively for them.
Hosts Chef Todd Gray and Ellen Kassoff
Also in the early hours of the evening, a VIP Chefs’ Tasting Room where exquisite samplings of wines and champagnes, hors d’oeuvres were prepared by some of the finest chefs in the area, such as The Source’s Scott Drewno, Il Forno’s Jason Mayle and more, while the area’s most talented pastry chefs dazzled with visionary works of edible art and gorgeous gourmet desserts including a pastry ‘dog park (which even included some very sweet kitties), pet and people friendly Whoopie Pies from ‘Makin’ Whoopie,’ savories from Slate Wine Bar + Bistro, delish delights from Cork…just to name a few.
Tommy McFly (94.7 Fresh FM Radio & WUSA 9) returned as Emcee to keep the festivities flowing with his own canines, ‘Chip’ and ‘Mr. Troy’ in tow.
“Chip McFly” and “Mr. Troy Kefalas”
As every year, a highlight was not the human fashion, but the doggy duds. This year’s four legged fashionistas rocked everything from starched collars with bowties to tutus, sweaters, ruffles and hair….um…fur dye. What’s not to love?
The Washington Humane Society (WHS), the only Congressionally-chartered animal welfare agency in the United States, has been the area’s leading voice for animals since 1870. As the open-access shelter in the Nation’s Capital, the Washington Humane Society provides comfort and care to over 43,000 animals each year through its broad range of programs and services.
For more information about the Washington Humane Society’s services, programs, available animals for adoption and events visit www.washhumane.org.
