This fashion show really went to the dogs
With a woof-woof here and a woof-woof there, the second annual Haute Dawg gala and fashion show last week raised more than $184,000.
Funds raised in the Westin Hotel ballroom will help buy a mobile animal surgical unit and support the Edmonton Humane Society and Dogs with Wings.
“The pet mobile, as I call the surgical unit, will help seniors who face a choice of whether they should spay their pet or take care of their own dental problem,” show organizer and philanthropist Diane Kyle-Buchanan said.
“It will also go into areas such as (First Nations) reserves, where some dogs might be found for adoption, and it will go into schools to teach students the proper care needed to keep a pet.”
Stars of the show parading on the runway included Alessandra Anderson’s pit bull terrier Luna, Grace McMullen’s Xoloitzcuintli named Pooter, and Jill Didow and Greg Christenson’s Megs, a Shitzu mix, and a Morkie named Maisy.
The Edmonton Police Service provided officers as models, and its canine unit specialists arrived with puppies Crimson and Bama.
Edmonton firefighters also stepped up to model and brought Edmonton’s only arson dog detective, Grover.
Still, the show stopper might have been the EPS Pipes and Drums marching up and down aisles to the crowd’s cheers.
“I was sitting in the police station one day when I saw an officer with a bagpipe pin on his lapel,” Kyle-Buchanan said.
“He knew my late father Norm Buchanan, who, I was told, basically trained the entire police pipe band.”
The result of the conversation was the entire band turning out to play at the event Kyle Buchanan spent seven months arranging.
Much appreciation was shown when a highly trained assistance dog from Dogs with Wings — who help Albertans with disabilities — picked up a paper clip on demand from a guest using a wheelchair.
Kyle-Buchanan donated $22,000 to buy a dog for both Dogs with Wings and the police canine unit.
She also offered to match anyone who donated $1,000 to the night’s causes, which turned out to be another $25,000.
High tea for 40 hosted by Elexis Schloss at the former government house went under the hammer of auctioneer and presenting sponsor Sine Chadi for $4,000.
An autographed Edmonton Eskimo Mike Reilly jersey donated by Chadi, combined with a Battle of Alberta seats package by broadcaster Bryan Hall, sold for $5,000.
SUCCESS AT LAST
A never-give-up Edmonton entrepreneur is finally cycling with the wind at her back and is investigating a potential expansion to Vancouver.
“I lost all my savings and dignity in other enterprises, but I never lost hope,” said Vanessa Ojeda, 31.
“My Food Bike Tour has really taken off. My first tour of the season last week was booked out and demand on my 20 other tours this season is looking very promising.”
Ojeda’s unsuccessful companies included an ice cream business, importation of Latin American wines and working as a marketing consultant and event planner.
Disappointed, she went back to school with the idea of becoming a lawyer.
“I graduated top of my class when I wrote the LSAT law test,” she said. “But I decided I really wanted my own business, even if it meant lots more rejection, little money and long hours.”
Four years ago she went for a bike ride in the river valley with a friend and stopped at two restaurants. “We had so much fun, I wondered what it would be like to lead about 30 people on a bike trip and stop at businesses where you are served not only great local food, but learn about the company,” Ojeda says.
Her Food Bike Tour enterprise is now in its third year, with 65 local food outlets on board and the backing of such entities as Edmonton Tourism and several bike communities.
“Our riders usually believe in supporting local food outlets, appreciate being outdoors and exercise, are environmentally friendly and enjoy meeting likeminded people,” Ojeda says.
“I am working toward expanding to Vancouver and thinking about other cities in the future.”
Along with police, firefighters also stepped up to model on the runway and brought Edmonton’s only arson dog detective, Grover.
THE ’60S RETURN
Pinot on the Patio has a California Dreaming theme this year. Sip some of the world’s best red wine on the Royal Glenora Club’s patio and listen to old favourites such as the Beach Boys on Thursday, June 28.
The event supports CASA’s services for children, adolescents and their parents with mental health issues. Tickets are $85. Call: 780-400-4538.