Battersea Dogs Take Centre Stage at Star-Studded Charity Gala Event
A host of celebrities from stage, screen, sport, fiction and fashion sashayed down the red carpet for the fifth annual Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Collars & Coats Gala Ball 2013 on Thursday, 7th November at Battersea Evolution in London, as this year’s event went all “Hollywoof” with its unique homage to the golden age of cinema.
The star-studded charity bash welcomed renowned personalities through its famous doors, with Battersea Ambassador and international supermodel David Gandy, popular author Dame Jacqueline Wilson OBE, football legend Gary Lineker with his wife Danielle and dance aficionados Craig Revel Horwood and Arlene Philips, all walking the red carpet in support of London’s premier charity event in support of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s work to rescue and rehome abandoned dogs and cats. Also in attendance was American music icon Jocelyn Brown. Adding the cute factor was doggy star Pudsey, who was accompanied by his owner Ashleigh Butler.
Guests on the red carpet were welcomed by the legendary and unique Battersea dog ‘guard of honour’, as around 50 of the charity’s dogs in need of new homes lined the way.
The world-famous event was hosted by Battersea Ambassadors and TV favourites Amanda Holden and Paul O’Grady MBE and was presided over by royalty His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent GCVO and Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent.
London’s foremost social gathering saw guests treated to an exclusive champagne cocktail reception and sumptuous three-course banquet, as their senses were dazzled by an evening of eclectic entertainment, emotive speeches and a luxurious, one-of-its-kind Auction of Dreams. Guests were also charmed by the posters on display featuring Battersea dogs and staff mimicking legendary movie star mutts, promoting the Hollywoof themed gala ball. Lady & The Tramp and Toto from the Wizard of Oz are some of Hollywood’s most recognisable doggie icons, but this time the stars of the show were some of Battersea’s four-legged friends, who loved ‘pawsing’ for pictures with Battersea staff in place of their better-known canine comrades. The posters accompany new survey results, which show the UK’s favourite dog movie is Disney’s Lady & The Tramp, followed by Marley & Me and the Wizard of Oz.
In tribute to the legends of the silver screen there was a foot-tapping set from London show-stoppers The Rat Pack. Guests were transported back to the vintage era of the movies as tribute act The Rat Pack took to the stage to recreate the sounds of legends Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jnr. Complete with an impressive 18 piece big band and glamorous showgirls, the audience were treated to a truly unforgettable experience by one of Britain’s longest running and most successful tributes to the cool cats of Hollywood. Also taking to the stage for a rousing set was American soul diva Jocelyn Brown. Adding the classical quotient was internationally acclaimed operatic rock quartet, Passionata, who mesmerised with their repertoire of four-part harmonies.
Other highlights included an exclusive auction with an array of luxury, bespoke gifts donated by a variety of UK and international brands as well as the Home’s supporters. Craig Revel Horward took to the stage to encourage guests to show their generosity for the “heads and tails” fundraising drive.
Among the sensational prizes was an amazing money can’t buy opportunity to go for a walk in the park with a top Hollywood movie star, Oscar winner Jeremy Irons, swoon at an international supermodel David Gandy or stroll with a chart-topping singer, Mollie King. Bidders can show their support for Battersea and secure a dog walking date with nine famous dog lovers at www.collarsandcoats.org.uk/ebay. The amazing online auction, the first of its kind in the UK, runs until midnight on Friday 8 November.
Other auction treats included an all-expenses paid, once in a life time opportunity to attend the red carpet premiere of the ‘Godfather of Hollywood’ Al Pacino’s next film in New York, Wilde Salome, including an exclusive meet and greet with Al Pacino himself. There will also be an experience day at Gaydon for six people, where James Bond’s favourite car Aston Martin is manufactured. The lucky prize bidders will be immersed in a tour of the factory, learn more about the heritage of the brand, dine in the design studio whilst viewing models in their pre-production phase and enjoy a spin in an Aston Martin around the Warwickshire countryside, enjoying the freedom of the road and the spirit of the machine.
It costs over £18m to run Battersea each year, and with no government funding, the Collars & Coats Gala Ball is all about helping increase awareness of the important work the charity does each and every day of the year to offer a second chance in life to thousands of animals. Last year nearly 9,000 dogs and cats needed Battersea’s care and attention to help find them the best possible new homes.
For further information on the event, please visit http://www.collarsandcoats.org.uk
For further information on Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and to pledge donations, please visit www.battersea.org.uk
