“All That Glitters” is Definitely Gold for CAP’s 50th Anniversary Gala

“All That Glitters” is Definitely Gold for CAP’s 50th Anniversary Gala

One of Houston’s most cherished charities representing our city’s four-legged friends fêted five decades of sheltering, rescuing and placing homeless animals for adoption with loving families. Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) brought out the “glitz and glamour” for their recent fall gala, “All That Glitters,” where 630 celebrants gathered at Royal Sonesta to enjoy a wonderful meal and watch their friends and family members walk the runway with their precious pets. As guests entered the pre-function area, they were greeted by an elegant goddess, adorned in a jeweled crown and “guilded” in a golden ensemble. This formal gown morphed into a golden carpet on which guests either walked or posed with her to be photographed. This creative concept was aptly titled “Living Gold Carpet.”

Chairpersons Anna Kaplan and Mica Piro jumped for joy as more than $725,000 was added to the non-profit’s treasury to do their great work. Each year, CAP produces 1,500 raffle tickets (at a price of $50 each) that entitle the purchaser a chance to win a 2023 Subaru Crosstek, generously donated by West Houston Subaru and Gloria & Frank Meszaros. Before the evening’s program is over, the tickets are sold out and $75,000 is added to the overall total of dollars raised.

For 25 years, famed Houston event and fashion producer Lenny Matuszewski has created and designed the on-stage portion of this gala. CAP proudly recognized his quarter-century contributions with its Hall of Fame Award. Other award recipients recognized included birthday girl Jane Cizik (whose family provided the lead gift when the new CAP shelter was built), Frances & Tony Buzbee, The Main Family Foundation, Ram Ramani and Nithya Srinivasan and Bruce Padilla and Shelby Kibodeaux.

Honorees “walking the walk” included JD Adamson with Dolly, Deborah & Ernesto Bautista with Asher & Penelope, Rose Chen & David Webster with Muffin, Cortney Cole-Hall with Leo, Elia & Michael Gabbanelli with Daisy, Danielle & Derek Gillespie with Claire, Jody Merritt & Steve Spencer with Yuli, Casey & Ryan Mitchell with Gabby Win, and Sonia Soto & Jeff Hoffman with Layla.

Emcee Frank Billingsley masterfully began the night’s festivities by introducing electric violinist Radu John, who entertained the crowd with his glowing light-up violin. At evening’s end, he announced The Celebrity Pet of the Year award to Yuli, and its owners Jody Merritt and Steve Spencer.

Sponsors and other major supporters of the evening (not previously mentioned) were Gloria & Frank Meszaros, Patricia & Sig Cornelius, Brook & Julie Brookshire, Dr. Mary Riley, Carol & Bill Simmons, Linda Schmuck & Todd Zucker, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Cathy and Jesse Marion, Cherry Whitley, and Gregory Miller.

Socially present (not previously mentioned):  CAP Executive Director Sandi Mercado, Melanie Cizik, Reilly Cizik, Alex Gonzalez, Brian Spack, Melna & Mike Moriarty, Mary Kenner, Leila Perrin, Naudia & Will Brookshire, Frank DiMaria & Pat Keller, Marian & Austin Cornelius, Meghan and Clint Conroy, Fady Armanious and Bill Baldwin, Hallie Vanderhider, Cheryl Boblitt, Jody Faulkner & JP Duberg, Alicia and Eric Jansen, Peter Carragher, Eric Brueggeman, Tamara & Dr. James Bonar and Shelley Ludwick