PAWS Chicago’s 2015 Beach Party

August 5, 2015 in Charities & Foundations, Chicago, On Location

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PAWS Chicago’s 2015 Beach Party was alive with the sound of barking as carried on a proud canine tradition, held upstairs at North Ave. beach’s Castaways.

Dozens of dog enthusiasts showed up on a beautiful mid-summer evening on the shore of Lake Michigan with their furry friends. Breeds of every size, shape, and pedigree were well represented and pampered with every convenience, from a dog spa to gourmet treats to a special photo booth where owners proudly posed with their favorite companions.

Cheri Lawrence – Photo by Jonny Blackstone Productions

Carole Lenders, Nancy Timmers, Richard Ditton, David Greenwald, Sarah Ditton, Char Whitaker, Kimberly Kuehl and dog Regal Beagle Timmers – Photo by Sparenga Photography

Canine Guest Spencer Gleeson – Photo by Sparenga Photography

Canine guest in hat – photo by Jonny Blackstone Productions

Bob & Renata Block with Godiva – Photo by Jonny Blackstone Productions

Ben Bornstein & Melissa Cocagne – Photo by Sparenga Photography

Barbara Rinella and Spencer – – photo by Jonny Blackstone Productions

Barbara Bradford, Paula Fasseas & Robert Sherman – Photo by Sparenga Photography

Amy Mick & Nancy Officer – Photo by Sparenga Photography

2015 Co-Chairs Andrew Tobin and Heather & Mark Yeager – Photo by Sparenga Photography

Britt Devaney, Jill Devaney, Suzie Glickman & Irene Michaels – Photo by Sparenga Photography

Andrew Tobin, Ben Bornstein & Melissa Cocagne – Photo by Sparenga Photography

Canine Guest – Photo by Sparenga Photography

Anne Marie Peretz, Judy Tullman & Paula Fasseas – Photo by Sparenga Photography

Festivities got underway at 6:00 P.M. with mouthwatering hors-d’oeuvres and “Pawgaritas” being served along with a raffle, silent auction, and an illustrator on hand, offering professional renderings. The U.S. 99 morning radio show host Lisa Dent entertained the festive crowd as Beach Party Emcee before PAWS Founder Paula Fasseas updated the guests regarding PAWS accomplishments in the last calendar year. In 2014, PAWS was able to find homes for 5,952 homeless pets, and since their creation in 1997, the population of homeless pets in Chicago has decreased by 77%.

The atmosphere jumped with excitement as auctioneer David Goodman took the microphone in hand and conducted a spirited live auction, successfully raising thousands for a very noble cause. A variety of wonderful items were offered: any Blackhawks fan would love to own the first item, an official Hawks hockey stick, signed by the entire 2014-2015 Stanley Cup Championship team, which garnered $6,000. An exotic vacation to Cabo San Lucas for six, including your own butler and chef, captured eye-opening $16,000 (from lucky bidder Cheri Lawrence) while an eccentric getaway to Burgundy, France (on the premises of a 400-year-old farmhouse) resulted in a bidding war between two guests; Joseph Winjum and Pam Pierce. Goodman offered the same opportunity to each bidder, all together raising $40,000 for this wonderful animal organization.

Indeed, this 13th annual party was not unlucky for PAWS Chicago’s 2015 Beach Party and all of its loyal supporters, as thousands of dollars were raised during the course of this enjoyable celebration. We can only hope that Paula Fasseas, her dedicated employees, and volunteers continue to pursue every dog’s dream of being adopted by a loving family.

About Jim Wattron

Jim graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, with a degree in Business Administration. Jim has worked with the team from the beginning and he consistently strives for innovation with refreshing topics that inspire readers with context of new adventures and happenings, locally and internationally. Read more from this author.