TORONTO, November 22, 2010 – Toronto’s first Paws for the Cause gala raised over $25,000 for the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) on October 28th, 2010 at Red Bull 381 Projects. Co-Chaired by Laura Serra and Paul Smith, the fundraiser launched with a star-studded fashion show featuring Toronto talent and lovable canines outfitted in designer duds. Paws for the Cause Founder Laura is overjoyed to have netted 50% more funds than projected: “Thank you, again, to all of our sponsors and everyone came out and supported us. We exceeded our goal in every capacity. I’m thrilled to announce we are in the planning stages for Paws 2011. Stay tuned!”
EVENT VIDEO
Go behind-the-scenes >> watch the official event video produced by The Advocates, a follow-up to the wildly popular Paws for the Cause promotional video.
EVENT PHOTOS
Visit the official Paws for the Cause Olympus Photo Gallery on Facebook or view event photos on pawsforthecause.ca
The Ontario SPCA is overwhelmed by the compassion and support Paws for the Cause generated, says Kate MacDonald, CEO: “Paws for the Cause was a wonderful event. We are very thankful to everyone who attended and supported the lifesaving work we do every day. On behalf of the animals and the Ontario SPCA, we thank you.”
2011: SPONSORSHIP & EVENT PLANNING
Paws for the Cause is looking forward to strengthening sponsor relationships and amplifying next year’s efforts. In its first year, the event gained recognition in top-tier media outlets across the country, including a feature on Entertainment Tonight Canada and exposure in national print dailies like The Globe and Mail and National Post. Visit the media gallery. Lead sponsors included: The Globe and Mail, Olympus, Jamieson Laboratories, Pet Valu, Warner Brothers Cats & Dogs, along with a bevy of supportive partners (see our sponsors). For 2011 sponsorship information, please contact sponsor@pawsforthecause.ca
To donate to Paws for the Cause, please contact info@pawsforthecause.ca
PAWS ON THE CATWALK
The fashion show included dog gear by Pet Valu and one-of-a-kind creations by Canadian designers Ashley Rowe, Beckerman, Jules Power, Philip Sparks, Roots, Shared and Tavan Mitto. Dog Walkers were also spotted in local gear: Andy-the-Anh, Joeffer Caoc, Moon, and Rita Liefhebber, if not “fashion matched” to their canine co-stars. See who wore what. WATCH Blog TO’s runway coverage.
‘PETORIALIST’ CAMPAIGN & PHOTO CONTEST
The Paws for the Cause campaign, (dubbed “Petorialist” after its inspiration: the iconic ‘street style’ blog, The Sartorialist) featured nine local dog lovers posing in Toronto vignettes: street side, on rooftops, in cafés and parks. The tenth and final campaign image was awarded to the best “street style” submission to the official Paws for the Cause Facebook fan page. Stacy Woloschuk won the ‘Petorialist’ Photo Contest and took home an Olympus PEN (ELP1) camera and will be featured in next year’s campaign.
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About the OSPCA
The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA): Protecting animals since 1873, the Ontario SPCA is a registered charity comprised of over 50 Communities relying primarily on donations to fund animal protection, care and rehabilitation; advocacy; and humane education. The Ontario SPCA Act mandates the Society to enforce animal cruelty laws and provides Society investigators with police powers to do so – making the Ontario SPCA unique among animal welfare organizations in the province. The Ontario SPCA is an affiliated with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Adopt – Volunteer – Donate! Charitable Business Number 88969 1044 RR0002
About The Advocates
The Advocates, known for its popular WOMEN x WOMEN initiative, is a Toronto-based production company. Their top-tier fashion and retail video clients include Roots, Harry Rosen and MEXX. To find out more, please visit: www.theadvocatestoronto.com
About Paws for the Cause
We love animals. We love fashion. We are a team of young professionals and cultural curators who throw fun parties and dress up dogs in designer duds in the name of charity. Laura Serra founded Paws for the Cause in 2009 and acts as event co-chair alongside Paul Smith. In our inaugural year, our dog fashion show and cocktail party raised over $25,000 for the Ontario SPCA. Visit pawsforthecause.ca or facebook.com/PawsForTheCause; tweet us @paws4thecauseTO. Sponsors:
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For Further Information
Tatiana Read
Knot PR
Tel (416) 220-1466
Twitter @tatvictoria
tvr@knotpr.com
knotpr.com