Where’s the one place where you can eat lunch with your pet indoors, and not worry about making noise or disturbing anyone? The annual Pets On Parade Awards Luncheon, of course!
This year’s slogan said it all, “Where every pet’s a Star!” Umbrellas welcomed attendees from the back parking lot of the Renaissance Indian Wells. Loving All Animals’ executive director Mike Russell sported a tux to welcome two-legged and four-legged arrivals. Volunteers handed out canine and feline treats. Stations promoting different animal groups lined the hall outside the Emerald Ballroom.
Event chairs Robin Montgomery, Lindi Biggi, and Pamela Moffitt Green made sure that staff and supporters of Pegasus Therapeutic Riding and Loving All Animals came together to raise funds to benefit the animals and birds. Prizes are awarded for the Best in Large Canine, Small Canine, Feline, Equine, and Wild & Other.
Silent and live auctions supplement the dollars raised from the ads placed in the annual POP book. Dan McGrath returned as emcee and live auction host. Pegasus board of directors Catherine Eklund-Mares joined Russell at the microphone to welcome the diners.
Presenting sponsors were KESQ News Channel 3 and Subaru. Major underwriters in absentia were Harold Matzner and the Auen Foundation. The Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter received the Circle of Life Award from Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon. Helping with the awards were KESQ’s Bianca Rae and Haley Clawson. McCallum’s Open Call winner Kaitlyn Farley was guest singer, underwritten by Peggy Cravens. Leanna Bonamici created the A/V presentation.
The Cathedral City Performing Arts Class helped with overall production, thanks to underwriting from Gary Hall and the Wells Fargo Private Bank, Joe Giarrusso and Charlie Paglia, and Cindy Gosselin.
Renaissance Esmeralda Indian Wells Resort & Spa
44400 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells, CA 92210
760-773-4444
www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/pspsr-renaissance-indian-wells-resort-and-spa
Photography by Ceasar Rodriguez
