Houndstooth Ball raises $166,000 for animals
The 10th annual Houndstooth Ball was a recordbreaker with more than 600 animal-loving supporters and 100 dogs in attendance at Morgan Manufacturing on Nov. 30. Benefiting One Tail at a Time (OTAT), a no-kill animal rescue organization, the event supported ongoing and new initiatives, such as its ISO House, a quarantine location in Logan Square that will create a safe, transitional space for sick or injured dogs from Chicago shelters.
Partygoers enjoyed a bourbon tasting presented by Heaven’s Door and made memories in a variety of animal-related photo ops. Professional “doodler” Jana Kinsman created hand-drawn portraits of guests while their canine companions relaxed with massages in the Paradise 4 Paws spa. The silent and live auctions featured over 100 items, including a rescue ride-along with Heather Owen, OTAT executive director, board president and co-founder.
WGN’s Elliott Bambrough emceed. He spoke about being inspired by the dedication of the organization’s volunteers and how well it functioned as a family. He introduced a “deck of cards” game; for $50, guests could participate for a chance to win a week’s vacation in a dog-friendly beachfront cabin on Lake Michigan. A paddle raise, silent auction and raffle brought in $76,500. Owen shared the nonprofit’s success story.
“This was our biggest year yet. We rescued over 650 dogs and 40 neonate kittens from overcrowded shelters. We took time to focus on senior dogs, big dogs, sick dogs, injured dogs and tiny kittens who needed us to live,” she said.
An all-vegan buffet featured nachos from Upton’s Naturals, mini cupcakes from Pie, Pie My Darling, macaroons from pastry chef Carrie Rubinas of Big Delicious Planet, soft pretzels from Dinkel’s Bakery and other tasty treats. On every table were photos with short stories of OTAT’s adoption successes.
The event raised over $166,000. More online
Find more photos and video of this event at www.chicagotribune.com/candidcandace