Party animals woof it up at MSPCA gala

Animal lovers were pawsitively generous at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ annual Raise the Woof gala, raising some serious coin for the organization — $650,000 to be exact. Hosted Wednesday night by WCVB-TV anchor (and major animal lover)

Randy Price, the event drew 500 of Boston’s best, and at least 50 of their fourlegged friends, to the South End’s Cyclorama.

All funds raised will go toward the 150-year-old organization’s statewide veterinary, sheltering, law enforcement and lobbying efforts.

The MSPCA also awarded the Noble Award in Humane Philanthropy to real estate developer Robert

Beal for his lifelong generosity in support of animals.

Party animals on the scene included

Ron and Julie Druker, Jessica Gifford and Andrew Nigrelli, Doris Yaffe, Maggie and Kevin Ahearn, Matthew and Lori Sidman, Sarah Monaco and Tim Johnson. Also in attendance was

Maverick, the German shepherd who captured hearts after he chewed off his own foot to escape his tether before the MSPCA rescued him, and found him a loving home with the Douglas family of Stow.

The MSPCA is advocating for ballot Question 3 to stop extreme confinement of farm animals and used the occasion to ask Boston’s most influential to support passage of the measure.

PHoToS By AlEx SHuRE DOGS’ BEST FRIENDS: Robert Beal, left, is congratulated for receiving the Noble Award by MSPCA President Carter Luke, right.

GUEST OF HONOR: Maverick, the German shepherd who chewed off his foot to escape from his tether, was honored at the MSPCA’s Raise the Woof gala.

COMING TO AID: Raise the Woof guests use phones to raise funds.