by columnist Wendy Gordon
Photo credit: Jenn Guerriero
We don’t know ’bout you, but when there is an event having the words ‘sugar’ and ‘Champagne’ in the title, here is no question but to put the feedbag on, pray for oversized flutes, and attend. When the proceeds go toward The Washington Humane Society, Bingo! A match made in heaven.
Thursday evening marked the 12th Annual Sugar and Champagne Affair at The Ronald Regan Building and International Trade Center. The event, founded by Ellen Kassoff Gray, honors our crusaders against animal cruelty–Washington Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement Officers, Animal Care & Control Officers, and Humane Educators. Important work. Also honored will be local “Humane Heroes” who have had a positive impact on the lives of animals in the District and who have shown tremendous support for our programs and services. These included the Washington Nationals’ Stephen Strasburg, Metropolitan Police Department’s Officer Arthur G. Douglas, Jr., WUSA 9’s Matt Jablow, Metropolitan Police Department Officer John Carruthers, Marie Drissel, local business Pro Feed Pet Nutrition Center, and corporate citizen Home Depot.
This year’s emcee is FRESH 94.7’s Tommy McFly, an adoptive ‘parent’ himself, presided over the first Sugar & Champagne Cake Walk, where pastry Chefs will displayed their culinary confections on stage, with these then being live auctioned off to the highest bidder.
It’s the 12th year—and this year is the best year ever. The pastry chefs have created these amazing cakes and there with the auction, we expect to make over $90,000. It’s grown so much—there should be about 700 guests,” Ellen said. “We’re so happy to be able to honor the Humane Society’s officers and their great work year after year.”
Guests flooded into the Reagan Building’s atrium for sample f everything from The Daily Dish’s ‘Pup Tarts’ and marrow bones to treats from Bastille, Green Pig Bistro, The Source, Equinox, Hank’s Oyster Bar, Mayfair & Pine, Marcel’s, and more. A bevy of mixologists including Todd Thrasher and Gina Chersevani served up cocktails while tables offering champagnes and wines abounded. Let’s just say no one left hungry or thirsty. Including man’s best friends.
Forget the homo sapiens. In a town bustling with attention seeking humans, here, the canines mingled. From those that attended au natural, to those dressed to the nines, it was an evening for our four legged friends to join in on the fun and be center of attention—all for a serious cause. Their buddies who have not yet been fortunate enough to find a loving home were also on site available for adoption. We strongly suggest you head over to the New York or Georgia Animal Shelter, and bring one to your home—because happiness truly is a warm puppy.
