The annual pet fundraiser, Paws for the Cause is coming in just a few weeks! The event, which raises funds and awareness for a different animal welfare organization each year, will be held October 11 at 99 Sudbury. This year’s event has an interesting feature – owners can enter their dogs to a casting call for a chance to be photographed by Theron Humphrey from Maddie on Things! Recently, we had the chance to speak with Paws for the Cause founder, Laura Serra, to talk with her a bit more about the event.
Is the casting call for anything specific?
The Casting Call is a chance for the city’s finest dogs to walk the runway during the Paws Gala on October 11. Photos submitted for the casting call will be featured on the Paws for the Cause Facebook page and the wackiest, craziest, most unique dogs will be chosen. In addition to the runway, Theron Humphrey will be hosting an art exhibit to debut his photography from Maddie on Things.
Can you tell us a bit more about the “dog-inspired” art exhibit
The art exhibit at this year’s gala will be the official debut for Maddie on Things photography. Photographer Theron Humphrey will show a selection of his photographs featuring his coonhound Maddie. The idea for Maddie on Things came from Theron’s goal to meet one new person a day, everyday, for 365 days. With Maddie by his side he began taking photos of her, which eventually grew into a collection of these incredible photos.
Maddie from Maddie on Things
What about the CTVRC?
The CTVRC (Central Toronto Veterinary Referral Clinic) was founded in 2011 to provide life-saving surgeries for animals. As a state-of-the-art medicine and surgery referral hospital, they provide the highest quality of care to animals in need.
Can you tell us a bit about the event, history behind it, etc…?
Paws for the Cause was born after a near-fatal accident involving my Chihuahua Chloe. Her surgical bill was $10,000 and I was given the option to either pay or put her down. Faced with this decision, I knew I wanted to start a charity for people who couldn’t afford such a hefty bill. The first #PawsGala was in October 2010 and consisted of a cocktail party and dog fashion show where Toronto A-listers walked their pups down the runway. The event was extremely successful and raised $30,000 for the OSPCA. In its second year, the #PawsGala partnered with local designer Philip Sparks for the dog fashion show, once again featuring Toronto’s A-listers accompanying the stylish pups down the runway. In our second year we raised $75,000 for the Ontario Veterinary College’s Pet Trust Fund and created the Chloe Award Scholarship for an outstanding Veterinary student at the college. After two extremely successful years, we are excited to see where this year takes us.
In general, what the plans are for this year’s event?
This year’s event will combine our love of fashion with photography. Guests will enjoy an evening of art, fashion, music and a dog show. Taking place at 99 Sudbury, the gala is themed ‘All Things 99’! The $99 ticket will include the performance and art exhibit, as well as gourmet food and AN open bar. Along with surprises throughout the night, partygoers are not only guaranteed an amazing night, but their money will go towards saving the lives of dogs in need.
Interested in attending Paws for the Cause? Tickets are $99 and can be purchased through Eventbrite.
Photo credit: Maddie image by Theron Humphrey
