Event Date: February 8, 2025
Event: Luncheon and Fashion Show
Beneficiary: Interfaith Ministries Greater Houston Animeals Program
No. in attendance: 225
Honorary Chair: Ernie Manouse
Chairpersons: Kristin Guthrie and Roberta Konicki
Honoree: Frank Billingsley
Emcee: Casey Curry
Fashion Show Production: Todd Ramos
Photography: Dalton DeHart and Michael Costilla
Owners were Lassoed and Pets Were Leashed at Animeals Wags & Whiskers Luncheon and Pet Fashion Show
“Lassos and Leashes” and western attire were on display as 225 animal lovers gathered for the 12th Annual Wags and Whiskers Luncheon, benefiting Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston Animeals program. Co-chairs Kristin Guthrie and Roberta Konicki, Honorary Chair Ernie Manouse and honoree Frank Billingsley, were overjoyed at the attendance and the more than $130,000 raised.
Media personality Casey Curry once again served as emcee and introduced Board Chair Saled Alavi and Immediate Past Board Chair Dr. Kathy C. Flanagan. Alavi thanked guests for their unwavering support and Flanagan provided an overview of Animeals, which provides pet food, toys, and preventative vet care supplies to over 1,300 pets of homebound seniors in IM’s Meals on Wheels program. IM Board Vice Chair Nadia Tajalli escorted Animeals Spokesdog Moose onto the stage, engaging the crowd for a special appeal. Casey Curry’s daughter Winnie, read Moose’s message asking guests to donate to the organization!
Fashion producer and stylist Todd Ramos produced the exciting and eclectic fashion show, which featured owners and their pets walking the runway. Serving as media judges were Michelle Mantor with PetTalk Magazine, Lara Bell with Swoon Magazine, Jeff Gremillion with Houston CityBook Magazine, Sarah Leftwich with Houston Modern Luxury Magazine, Dawn Gunther with Spring Branch Plus Magazine, and Suzanne Schakett with River Oaks Lifestyle and Memorial Lifestyle Magazines.
Taking first place bows and struts were Brittanny Diller and Buttercup, followed by Ava Khademi Deljou with Moose and Susan Vaughan and Karl Winter with Molly and Schatzi.
In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Sheroo Mukhtiar, Ann & Ron Kaesermann, Susanne & Randall Evans, Charlene Chuang, Karen Jankowski & Ed Donahue, Paula Sutton & Bill Gross, Dr. Loren Blanchard, Nadia Tajalli & Dr. Shahin Tavackoli, Philamena & Arthur Baird, Aliza Dutt, CC & Duke Ensell, Jay & Karen Harberg, Angela Hernandez, Eileen Lawal, Sonia Soto, Walt Zipprian, Miya Shay
