Captured Event

January, 16 2004 - Local Celebs Strut with Mutts for a Cause

What: 3rd Annual Mutts and Models Fashion Show

Where: The Gothic Theatre

When: Jaunuary 16, 2004

Beneficiary: Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital

Mistress of Ceremonies: Angie Austin of WB2

Master of Ceremonies: Kirk Montgomery of 9NEWS

Presenting Sponsor(s): Holly E. Hoting

Gala Chairperson(s): Holly Kylberg, Martha Kelce, Leigh Sullivan and Junior Co-chair MacKenzie Roberts

Corporate Chairperson(s): Steve Farber and Jim Sullivan

Committee Members: Kimberly Allison, Roger Armstrong, Dave Barnes, Cathy Barry, Scott Bulloch, Elizabeth Byrnes, Jenny Chizmar, Dianne DeLongchamps, Dianne DeSilva, Stephanie Doss, Kelley Elefant, Shelley Fuss, Sharon W. Gelt, Linda Goto, Janie Harrington, Holly Hoting, Joseph Bradley, Kari Kupferschmid, Mike Landa, Julie Mallon, Rochelle McNaughton, Judith Ann Newman, Paula Palmer, L. Thomson, Frances Tourtelot

Staff: Bruce Miller, Stephanie Klestinec

Entertainment: DJ Emmet Brady

Of note: NYC Fashion Designer David Rodriguez was in attendance

Sponsors: Allaboutdenver.com, Andrisen Morton, Antoine de Chez, Auer’s, Blacktie-Colorado.com Brownstein Hyatt & Farber, C.B.Paws, Cherry Creek Audio, The Crazy Merchant, Elite Dance Academy, ESPN Radio, 5280 Publishing, Glauser Mercedes, Holly Hoting, KNRC AM1150, Holly and Rich Kylberg, Kevin Larson and RISE Nightclub, S. & G. Magness Family, Nobody in Particular Presents, Oilily, Oster Jewelers, Sullivan Hayes Company, Westword, US Bank

Attendance: 500

Attire: Think Sex and the City...

Special Thanks: To NIPP for donating The Gothic Theatre

Hors D'Oeuvres:: Sambuca Jazz Café, DAC Catering, Dougal's Catering, The Palm, Rialto Café, Mel's Restaurant

Models/Fashions: Makeup and hair by Antoine du Chez, fashions from Auer's and Andrisen Morton, and jewelry from Oster Jewelers

Information: Please call 303.321.0404

Event Coordinator: Donna Crafton Boemper

Decor/Rental Company: Dave Barnes with Scenographics

Blacktie Photos by: Elizabeth Byrnes

Former Denver Bronco Reggie Rivers with Berkley, a 4-year-old yellow lab, was one of many local celebs to strut with their mutts
View all photos

Elizabeth Byrnes

The fur flew…literally, on January 16, 2004 at the Gothic Theatre for the 3rd Annual Mutts and Models Fashion Show, where many mutts, escorted by local celebs, stole the show, while raising approximately $80,000 for Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital.

“This is a fun and unique way to raise money and have fun,” said Holly Kylberg, co-chair of the gala, along with Martha Kelce and Leigh Sullivan. “Where else are you encouraged to bring your dog with you to an event?”

Holly Hoting, Harrison’s Board President and presenting sponsor, welcomed the crowd and explained that Harrison was founded in 1976 by the granddaughter of Adolph Coors, Louis Harrison, an avid pet lover. “With the money raised tonight,” said Holly, “we can continue to help animals in need and we can keep owners from being forced to put their pets to sleep because they can’t afford to care for them.”

Harrison’s youngest fundraiser and this year’s junior co-chair, eight-year-old MacKenzie Roberts, donates any money she gets for her birthday to Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital. The youngest of the models, MacKenzie has a passion for animals. "I love them all," she said, proudly hugging “Annie,” an 11-week-old Maltese pup.

This year’s theme, “Pets in the City,” incorporated a Manhattan skyline, created by Dave Barnes of Scenographics, in which he added a replica of the D&F Tower for a Denver touch. David Rodriguez, a NYC based fashion designer, whose clothing is often seen on the hit HBO show Sex and the City, was in town for a trunk show at Andrisen Morton’s and made a guest appearance at the fashion show.

Antoine du Chez was on hand for makeup and hair, Oster provided decadent jewels to accessorize the Rodriguez fashions, and Cherry Creek North boutiques Auer’s and Andrisen Morton showcased clean-cut suits for the men.

All furry, four-legged friends were decked to the nines for this fundraiser, whether in the show or as a guest in the audience. Dogs of all sizes and color were accessorized in jackets, jeweled collars and leashes, and a few were spotted with painted toenails and boas…

Harrison Memorial Animal Hospital is a nonprofit veterinary hospital that provides quality, compassionate services to those in financial need. They promote humane, responsible pet ownership and the reduction of pet overpopulation through affordable spay/neuter surgeries, animal health care and education. They work cooperatively with other animal welfare organizations and the veterinary community to achieve common goals. All funds are contributed by individuals, businesses, corporations, fees for services and grants from organizations like the Animal Assistance Foundation.

Hundreds of guests noshed on scrumptious samples from Sambuca Jazz Café, The Palm Restaurant, DAC Catering, Dougal's Catering, Rialto Café and Mel's Restaurant, while browsing the packed silent auction items.

This gala, emceed by WB2's Angie Austin and 9NEWS Kirk Montgomery, certainly went to the dogs and included "Bummer," the DeHaven's Bassett Hound, modeled by Olivia DeHaven; “Chopstix,” Clear Channel Fox Radio's Kathy Lee’s Chinese Pug; Kyle Dyer of 9NEWS was escorted by her Yellow Lab “Dorothy;” Ernie Bjorkman of WB2 News paraded with his two English Bulldogs “Fannie Mae” and “Ziggy;” Miss Colorado USA Janel Haw walked with “Winston,” a Bichon Frise; former Denver Bronco Reggie Rivers and “Berkley” strutted their stuff; Hotel Monaco's “Lily Sopris”, a Jack Russell Terrier shared the runway with “Scrappy the Wonder Dog,” the official dog of the Colorado Avalanche and “Miss Bubbles,” a teacup Terrier; 7 News was represented by Karlyn Tilley and “Bear,” a Golden Retriever puppy; Kim Posey and Tammy Vigil modeled from Fox31 and Joanne Davidson from the Denver Post worked the runway with “Ling,” a Pekingese.

After the air cleared of dog fur and the catwalk of its models, the dance floor was quickly cleared of chairs and the dancing started.