Paw-some Party Fetches $1M for Shelter Animals

Daniel Ortiz

Blake and Dana Fertitta with Belle and Zoe

CITIZENS FOR ANIMAL Protection (CAP) is having a very merry holiday season, having raised a record-breaking $1 million at its annual gala in November.

With a theme of "Best in Snow," a seasonal play on the funny flick Best in Show, the glam gala took place at The Post Oak Hotel, where animal lovers (and their furry friends!) reveled in sparkling holiday decor. Event co-chairs Angela Hernandez and Carson Brown were thrilled with the turnout, which topped 700.

Guests were welcomed with espresso martinis from the ice bar, sponsored by Sire Spirits and Branson Cognac and Le Chemin du Roi, and spent plenty of time perusing the Bourbon and Bubbles pull (more than 100 bottles!) and the silent auction. Once inside the blue-and-white-hued ballroom, the crowd cheered on the evening's honorees, who strutted their stuff alongside their pets. Andy Cerota and his pup Maxwell were crowned as the 2024 Celebrity Pets of the Year, with Dana and Blake Fertitta and their dogs Belle and Zoe were first runners-up.

Galagoers were also moved by the story of CAP’s Celebrity Canine Hero Award recipient, Bram Kohlhausen and his service dog Chip. And emcee Frank Billingsley was joined by Brittany Franklin during the "Paws Up" portion of the evening as well as the live auction.