A Million-Dollar Blizzard Blew Through at Citizens for Animal Protection “Best in Snow” Gala

A Million-Dollar Blizzard Blew Through at Citizens for Animal Protection “Best in Snow” Gala

The treasury at Citizens for Animal Protection is over $1 million richer, thanks to the hard work of the more than 700 supporters who were “snowed in” for the annual CAP Gala, titled “Best in Snow.” This record-breaking event and most successful ever, was chaired by the dynamic duo of Angela Hernandez and Carson Brown and sponsored by West Houston Subaru, who also donated a 2024 Crosstrek Premium, which was raffled at the gala.

Guests arrived and were greeted by an ice bar featuring signature cocktails, a 100-bottle Bourbon & Bubbles Pull, chances to purchase West Houston Subaru raffle tickets and areas for many photo opportunities, of which many took advantage.

The doors opened to the winter ballroom, designed by The Events Company and ensconced in shades of white and blue. A specially created wall of honoree portraits, photographed by Gittings, were displayed prominently in the room. A bespoke video designed by Chris Swanson of Firefox Media opened the evening. It featured a rousing parody of the movie “Best in Show.” After much applause, retired Channel 2 meteorologist Frank Billingsley took the stage for important announcements and welcomed the aforementioned chairpersons, Honorary Chairs Daniel Irion and Kirk Kveton, and special honorees. The Celebrity Canine Hero Award recipient was service dog Chip with his best buddy, Bram Kohlhausen. Bram was a football quarterback who primarily played for TCU. Bram was injured in a 75-foot fall from a helicopter during a hunting trip near San Antonio in 2023 and had to have both feet amputated following the accident. He shared his story of recovery and his love for his loyal service animal. Other special honorees highlighted were Cherished Companions Debbie Berman and Cassandra Carpenter, Heart of Gold honoree Ben Berg, Hall of Fame honoree Carolyn Faulk, Share the Love honoree Andy Cordes and Gittings and Melcher Humanitarian of the Year honorees Naomi and David Schwartz. Gloria and Frank Meszaros of West Houston Subaru presented the special awards.

After a sumptuous meal, the moment everyone waited for took place. The Celebrity Pets of the Year, groomed to the nines, strutted down the runway with their excited, formally clad owners. Honorees showcasing their “black-tie animalistic” style were Junior Honorees Alexandra, Elizabeth and Julianna Lowenberg, Ben Ackerley with Daphne and Meatball, Allison and Nick Boulle with Belle, Clark Caperton with Peyton, Andy Cerota with Maxwell, Dana and Blake Fertitta with Belle and Zoe, Brittany Hildebrand with Spec, Kirby and David Lodholz with Chucky, Dr. Monica Patel and Calvin Krall with Lucky, Daphne and Steve Savva with Jenga, Megan and Keith Waldrop with Hank. Andy Cerota with Maxwell was crowned as the 2024 Celebrity Pets of the Year and Dana and Blake Fertitta with Belle and Zoe were crowned First Runner-up.

A successful “blizzard” of holiday merriment brought the crowd to its feet as the gala ended, and celebrations of the incomparable seven-figure occasion were happening throughout the “snowy” space!

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Executive Director Sandi Mercado, Kappy Muenzer, Linda Lyons Ewing, Meghan and Clint Conroy, Alicia and Eric Jansen, Nick Batesole, Courtney and Zac Harmon, Susan and Dan Boggio, Tamara and Dr. James Bonar, Sidney Faust, Edna Meyer-Nelson, Suzanne Klein, Danielle and Derek Gillespie, Marian and Austin Cornelius, Deborah and Ernesto Bautista, Christine Johnson, Jody Merritt and Steve Spencer, Nora and Bob Ackerley, Dean Putterman, Ed Finger, Dana Barton and Robert Clay, Paige Fertitta, Michael Fertitta, Kevin Gilliard, Dr. Roxanne Riefkohl, Lee Haverman and Lisa Helfman