Last night was our 3rd Annual Paw Over Some Jack and Chow Down fundraiser, our “big” fundraiser with Chap’s Chow Rescue at Plants Creative Landscapes‘ warehouse in Decatur. Thank you to everyone who came out (despite the heat) to support the rescues. Everyone was having such a great time, we even went beyond our usual 9 o’clock cutoff time. Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers and, of course, attendees for making this another great year that went to the dogs … literally!
Thanks to long-time Team Russell volunteer, foster/forever mom, supporter, transporter and all-around go-to chief Deborah Hasten for the beautiful table decor ... and the gorgeous GA JRT logo glass mosaic that created a bidding war.
Morgan Rowe joined us for the third year in a row to entertain and delight. She was stripped down in sound without the band this year and she sounded fabulous.
Jimmy Galloway joined us for the first year ... and ... wow ... We're all still a little blown away.
Mama Donna giving her obligatory thank you speech ... "DO not cry ... do NOT cry ... do not ... Crap, I'm crying."
"Papa Mike" Chapman enjoying the evening and getting ready to be called to the stage to give HIS obligatory thank you speech.
Emcee Kim Davis squaring things away with Kris Myers, who returned again this year to keep the peace. You know how rowdy we Terrier/Chow folks can get.
Artwork ruled in this year's silent auction. The works of Dean Russo, which are always a hit, were back again this year.
"Winning!"
Thanks to David and Charlotte Knox (now formerly known as "Clark's parents" - sorry, it happens) for joining the team this year and manning the entrance.
We've always had a great spread of food, thanks to Dennis Dean, a Catering Company and Laura Miller. This year, our very own Team Russell member "Wonder Donna Gavel Ioannidis" (aka as Isabella's and Ricky's mom) really outdid herself and created a dessert table. No, seriously ... she really outdid herself. This was phenomenal.
As always, the $1 raffle tables were alive with action. Where else can one win this fabulous piece of pop art for a buck?
Todd and Michael from Locust Brewing were back this year to serve up their fantastic home brew. We need to come up with more events throughout the year, just to have them out. Great stuff!
Ahhhh, the misty fans ... How much we LOVE thee on a 90-degree evening in the South.
Lily Goldstein, Team Russell vol and adoption coordinator and Carson and Cobb's mom, checking out the afore-mentioned cooling system.
Team Russell member Mike Goldstein (who does everything for our dogs, from walks and baths to lots of play time and networking) waiting for the Wine Wall donations to pick up ... Don't worry ... they did ... and then some.
Sheryl Cherico, picking up the wine wall donations ... and embracing it ... literally. Thanks so much to Sheryl and Tier3MD for the sound system and their yearly support of our event.
Mama Donna with a couple of lucky raffle winners, Sam and Chance ... and, oh, yeah, they're also her lovely grandchildren.
Absolutely. Adorable.
Our fabulous raffle crew ... They had so much fun helping us and we enjoyed their help.
The men of rescue ... Kevin Schwutke and Daddy Starbucks Mike ... no doubt Mike is talking about Eddie ... No doubt.
Amy Parish and her bullhorn ... Listen up!
There were so many great items in this year's silent auction -- all donated by wonderful sponsors with all proceeds going to the dogs.
Heather Schardan of Dr. Q Cosmetics enjoying another fabulous spread from Dennis Dean, a Catering Company. Heather donated several skin treatments to this year's silent auction.
Denise, Michelle and Ashley taking a two-second break to enjoy some of the food they spent the evening serving to people. Everywhere we looked, there was Denise and Ashley, bringing us something yummy ... and Michelle was responsible for helping BRING the fundraiser for the third year in a row, period. She helped plan, solicit donations and sponsors, set up, tear down ... you name it.
Amy accepting her special T-shirt from Mike.
Kim Davis with staff members of Second Life Atlanta.
The center of (adorable) attention ...
Mike and Morgan ... wanna bet Mike is showing off updated photos of adopted Eddie?
Kris Featherstone, Carrie Vogler and Uli Dendy catching up. Uli is co-founder of TrueLanguage - Business Translation Services and helped us this year with a cash donation to secure the rentals, security and other items we need for a successful night.
Mama Donna and Ava ... "shaking it off."
Elisa of Heavenly Pet Photography, doing what she does best. Elisa is also one of Team Russell's photographers, a foster parent, Instagram admin and, of course, Chad's mom. Lily is our adoption coordinator and mom to Carson and Cobb.
Melissa Moloney with Magic Coffee Truck, picking up her Japanese maple raffle win. MCT joined us for the first year with their special cold coffee crew. We tried to get pictures, but there were always people around their tent.
"How may we help you?" Thanks to Kasey Perritt and Ava Edmonson for holding down the rescue table ...prior to Ava's dance off with Mama Donna.
It was great to see Jeff and Bill, Pebbles' parents, again. They joined us with a couple of weeks ago at our JRT Fun Day, and we hope to see more of them.
"Where did all the wine go? I dunno!" Oh, that's right ... you BOUGHT it!
Congratulations, Frank Harris, you’re a winner! Come on down! Thanks so much for manning the brew booth … and for all of the many other things you do for Team Russell.
Thanks to Jimmy and Bridget Galloway of Intown Healthy Hound for joining us again this year. Jimmy was awesome to listen to and Bridget took home a few raffle items, including this box from Magic Coffee Truck.
More happy Japanese maple winners. These were a hit, Madelyn Gould! Thank you for the donation. All of your seedlings now have happy homes with volunteers or supporters. Oh ... and the King of Pops donation, Laura Miller? What a hit!
