Party Animals Flock to MaxFund’s Whiskers In The Night
It’s not unusual for eventgoers to pass around phones during an event, admiring photos of each other’s kids. At MaxFund’s 28th annual Puttin’ On the Max fundraiser, phones were out in full force—but in this case, the “kids” images were beloved pets. On Saturday, Nov. 5, the “Whiskers in the Night”-themed event attracted 350 glammed-up animal lovers who were treated to an evening full of niceties at The Brown Palace Hotel.
Kitty ears and a smile during the Pet Parade
The pre-dinner reception was highlighted by an extensive silent auction complemented by passed hors d’oeuvres. Guests adjourned to the ballroom for a sit-down dinner and program emceed by Britt Moreno, CBS4 morning anchor. MaxFund co-founder Bill Suro spoke to the crowd about the organization’s beginnings and was featured in an emotional, educational video that focused on animal stories at the no-kill shelter.
This cute chihuahua was a crowd-pleaser at the Pet Parade.
The always-anticipated Pet Parade put the spotlight on a handful of adorable, adoptable shelter animals. It was followed by a live auction run by Halie Behr, and a call for donations that was answered by numerous generous supporters.
Co-founder Nanci Suro spoke about MaxFund’s successes overall and in the past year, and architect Pete Pappas showed the audience plans for shelter additions and enhancements. The evening was capped off by talented singer and personality Lannie Garrett, who wowed the crowd with both her vocals and her antics as alter-ego country diva Patsy DeCline.
Big finish as Patsy DeCline (aka, Lannie Garrett) sings: “If you’ve got the money, honey, I’ve got the time.”
MaxFund is a true no-kill animal shelter and adoption center that challenges the traditional methods of animal sheltering by leading the no-kill movement in Colorado. Participants strive to give animals–including the injured, abandoned and abused–a “second chance at life.” In 2015, 1,236 dogs and cats were adopted from MaxFund, and 6,289 dogs and cats were spayed and neutered. Since inception, great forever homes have been found for 30,533 dogs and cats. Money raised at Puttin’ on the Max this year is geared toward MaxFund’s capital campaign: expanding the shelter to an adjoining property to be able to help even more homeless companion animals. To learn more about MaxFund, please visit: www.maxfund.org.
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- The MaxFund van was parked across the street from The Brown Palace Hotel entrance.
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- Ann Slocum (left) and Veronica Zayac
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- (l to r): Lynn and Suzanne Claar, Joan Boline and Bud Bagdon
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- Table settings had animal-themed accents.
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- Tables are readied for the 28th annual Puttin’ On the Max
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- Ken Carrick, owner of Barking Bitches
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- Perusing the silent auction tables
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- Nanette Dahlstrom (left) and Jeannie Massey
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- MaxFund Wellness Center reps at the reception
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- Chad Jimenez and Jeanne Doyle
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- (l to r): Tami Tanoue, Jesse Roush and Juli Goode
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- Denise Taylor (left) and Jennifer Kruger
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- Sponsor Kelly Wells, of State Farm, with Dave Melling
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- Tim Krebs and Sadie Sanchez
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- (l to r): Bill Marks, Kerry Fitzgerald and Hank Martinez
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- Kathy Gaines and Larry Rich
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- At the Selfie Station
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- (l to r): Rocco Williams, Aleah Traylor, and Ann and Troy Williams
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- Kelly Aiken and Robbie Aiken
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- Daylan and Leah Hamilton
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- Guests arrive at the reception and silent auction.
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- Reps from sponsor Halcyon, Cherry Creek’s newest hotel, relax before the dinner program.
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- Joe Sejut and Ellen Schiff
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- Lynn Macier (left) and Heather Gray
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- Deanna Leino gives the doggy decor a pat on the head.
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- Jeannie Massey and Terry Rigo
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- Ken Heng (left) and John Kern
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- Denise and Kevin Bogue
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- Phil and Pam Peyer
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- (l to r): Nancy Baird, Anne Suro, Donnis and Michael Moore and Bill Suro
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- B Public Relations at the reception
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- MaxFund Wellness Center doctors, technicians and receptionist chat at the silent auction.
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- Mother-daughter Angela and Miranda White
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- Reps from sponsor Animal Critical Care
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- The crowd heads into the ballroom for dinner.
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- MaxFund co-founders Bill and Nanci Suro (left), with Tom Rinnert and Ann Suro
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- Max Hoarty and Louis Consolazio
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- Seated: Robbie Aiken (left) and Kelly Aiken, with Neal Steinbrecher
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- Dog and kitty table decor accented each table.
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- Bill Suro talks to the crowd.
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- MaxFund co-founder Bill Suro
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- Emcee Britt Moreno, CBS4 morning anchor
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- Auctioneer Halie Behr was 2013 IJAC champion.
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- The Pet Parade of shelter dogs and cats meandered among an adoring crowd.
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- Just taking a short rest before the Pet Parade.
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- This friendly feline attracted plenty of attention at the Pet Parade.
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- All dressed up for the Pet Parade
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- This cute chihuahua was a crowd-pleaser at the Pet Parade.
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- Kitty ears and a smile during the Pet Parade
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- A well-earned bow from a high-bidder
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- Emcee Britt Moreno gets a little help with some prize drawings during the dinner program.
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- MaxFund co-founder Nanci Suro
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- Architect Pete Pappas discusses MaxFund’s proposed additions and enhancements.
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- Nanci Suro holds her number high during the paddle-raiser.
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- This generous bidder donated $500 for each of four tablemates.
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- Lannie Garrett interacts with guests as her alter-ego Patsy DeCline
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- Big finish as Patsy DeCline (aka, Lannie Garrett) sings: “If you’ve got the money, honey, I’ve got the time.”
