The Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County hosted a glitzy Wine, Women and Shoes fundraiser at Bent Pine Golf & Country Club last Saturday evening, enticing 145 ladies to mingle and shop at upscale vendors while enjoying fine wines and a fashion show.
Wine Women & Shoes, one of several fundraisers the Humane Society hosts to support its shelter and programs, is a trademarked idea that partners vintners and vendors with charitable causes.
Co-chairs Toni Abraham and Sara Labellarte had championed the event to the organization and were hoping to raise more than $25,000. As volunteer chairwoman, Lewana Dupree had the enviable job of recruiting the dashing “Shoemelliers,” a.k.a. Shoe Guys, and Heather Parris did an equally great job coordinating the vintners.
Ladies were asked to put their best shoe forward as the T-shirt clad Shoe Guys walked among them, flirting and encouraging guests to up the ante on the fabulous silent auction items being offered. The most talked-about raffle item – a “Key to Your Closet” – was a $5,000 package of fine wines, jewelry, spa treatments and much more.
Nicki Maslin purchased five tickets, hoping to utilize the goodies towards her holiday gift list if she won. “The Humane Society is such a wonderful organization and I just wanted to support them really,” she explained.
HSVBIRC Executive Director and CEO Chalmers Morse said the organization hoped to entice a new demographic with the unique event.
“We have such a wide spectrum of people who have helped us through the years and we are trying to appeal to a younger generation for this event because we need help from people from 16 to 96 to help animals,” said Morse.
Shelter staff had brought along some adorable puppies looking for adoptive parents, which were each rewarded with coos of affection.
“I’m a huge animal lover,” said Karen Franke, Treasure and Space Coast station manager. “When you can have a glamorous evening out with the girls and support such a great cause, that’s a big win.”
As the event’s emcee, Treasure and Space Coast’s Geoff Moore kept things lively through the cocktail reception and fashion show.
A runway had been set up in the dining room for the floral-themed show, and the women all showed their appreciation for the colorful fashions on display from Kemp’s and Live Art by Julie. Show models had earlier been coiffed and readied by Itzia Sherwood, owner of Eminence Hair Salon and fashion coordinator Giselle Sendra.
“What I love about the night is that it combines all things we love; wine, shopping and a fun night out,” said Alexis Riley.
“And we love puppies,” added her sister Tammy Riley. “I will do anything to save an animal.”
Money raised will help support animal adoptions, spay and neuter services, pet medical issues, animal education and advocacy, training classes for pets and their owners, and other programs.
“We don’t just adopt out animals. We also helped 4,500 animals in our clinic as well as returned 680 lost animals to their owners,” said Morse.
