WASHINGTON-The Italian Embassy last week catered to a packed house of philanthropists and socialites all supporting a common cause – animal welfare.
Fashion for Paws featured 60 models, their pets and high-fashion ensembles in an effort to raise $350,000 to benefit the Washington Humane Society.
Carlos Alvarez-Aranyos, a speech writer and owner of Alfie, a Cocker Spaniel and German Shepherd mix, said homeless and abused animals need more attention.
“I work in government and unfortunately, we often times do not have enough money or resources and man hours to fight for those that can’t speak,” Alvarez-Aranyos said. “So, it’s a great opportunity to be here and make sure that private citizens can say that this is a cause worth fighting for.”
The models are all notable personalities in Washington’s political and social scene. They competed against each other to raise the most money for the event. The winner earns the title of F4P Model Washingtonian of the Year. Veterinarian Dr. Dondi Dahlgaard, this year’s winner, raised more than $20,000. Chantal Attias, the 2008 title holder, said the money donated helps thousands of animals in need every year.
“Every dollar goes to homeless pets,” Attais said. “The Washington Humane Society has a number of different programs that give these pets a home, make sure they are healthy and even help owners be better owners.”
The Washington Humane Society serves more than 30,000 pets yearly through a broad range of programs that include sheltering, adoption and human–animal therapy programs.