“Studio 39” Brought “The City That Never Sleeps” to the Citizens for Animal Protection Celebrity Paws Gala for a Seven-Figure Night!

 “Studio 39” Brought “The City That Never Sleeps” to the Citizens for Animal Protection Celebrity Paws Gala for a Seven-Figure Night!

Citizens for Animal Protection hosted its 39th and most successful fundraiser in the organization’s history, raising over $1.1 million to help the animals. Standing proudly were chairpersons Angela Hernandez and Kamisha Mickey, CAP Executive Director Sandi Mercado, the sponsors, underwriters, supporters, and many honorees. The theme “Studio 39” drew its inspiration from the glitz, glamour, and style of “The City That Never Sleeps!”

Guests were dressed and “glammed” in shimmering shades of white, black, gold, and silver. Upon arrival, they were greeted by a large circular bar with a life-size mirrored horse elevated above, evoking a sense of Bianca Jagger riding into Studio 54. Taking bows for their creative décor was RL Design. Ice bars, a DJ playing disco music in the VIP area, a Bourbon & Bubbles bar, a raffle, a silent auction, and a Lowenberg Law firm-sponsored “roaming selfie” kept guests entertained and engaged before the chimes called them into the ballroom for a night of “pet-friendly” activities!

After winning the 2024 Celebrity Pet Champion of the Year, Channel 2 Anchor and “Man About Town” Andy Cerota confidently handled the emcee duties for the evening. As the ballroom doors closed and the room darkened, Andy introduced the opening video, skillfully produced by Firefox Video, which shared the touching and essential history of CAP, its team, and, of course, the animals they help. The chairpersons then stepped forward to thank the audience for their support, joined by Honorary Chairs Ben Ackerley and Daphne & Steve Savva, along with special recognition awards to CAP Cherished Companions Meghan & Clint Conroy, Heart of Gold Recipient Mary Kenner, Hall of Fame Recipient Brian Spack, and Melcher Humanitarian of the Year Edna Meyer-Nelson.

Serving as Junior Honorees for this 39th gala were Shefali and Maya Desai. The Ten Elite Honorees, accompanied by their pet companions and directed by producer Lenny Matuszewski, were Iraida Brown with Panda, Melanie Camp with Matilda, Emily Carruth with Nala, Tori Halbert with Tilly, Mandy Kao with Mei Mei & Teddy (whose dog rode down the runway in a remotely controlled kiddie car driven by Mandy’s son to the crowd’s delight), Kimberly and David King with Hank, Jenna Morris and Sarah Morris with Ellie Lush & Honey Bee, Suzanne and Adam Stiles with Charlie, and Sarah Vercher with Coco. The well-earned “pats and hugs” were given to Olly, the Celebrity Canine Hero Award Recipient, with his handler Charley Oxley. This Paws for Therapy service dog is a regular visitor to Memorial Hermann Hospital, Memorial Hermann Life Flight, Texas Children’s Hospital, The Houston Zoo, and West University Library.

For many years, West Houston Subaru has donated a car to the organization, and this addition to the event has helped raise much-needed funds. This year was no exception, as its owners, Gloria and Frank Meszaros, were present to see their car raffled off to the winner, Iraida Brown. Other major sponsors included Patricia and Sig Cornelius, Dr. Mary Riley, Edna Meyer-Nelson, the Fertitta Family, Daphne and Steve Savva, Sire Spirits, Branson Cognac, Le Chemin du Roi, Ben Ackerley and Carol Altman Simmons. H-E-B’s newly created dog and cat food, titled “Heritage Ranch,” donated to CAP for this year, which contributed to the overall fundraising.

Hands and paddles were flying during the live auction as auctioneer David Ackel managed the bidding, with many items selling twice and reaching record-breaking levels. At the night’s end, Iraida Brown and Panda were crowned as Celebrity Pet of the Year. Not a bad night for this team, winning the car and the overall title!

Sparkling guests grooved and “disco-ed” their way to their cars, knowing they had helped create a seven-figure evening for some of the most vulnerable in our city!

In the Social Scene (not previously mentioned): Kappy Muenzer, Linda Schmuck and Todd Zucker, Alicia and Eric Jansen, Courtney and Zac Harmon, Susan Boggio, Danielle and Derek Gillespie, Marian and Austin Cornelius, Christine Johnson, Jody Merritt and Steve Spencer, Ghada Ali, Hershey Grace, Suzanne Klein, Nora and Bob Ackerley, Eve Ackerley, Dean Putterman, Ed Finger, Marcellus Upshaw, Dr. Roxanne Riefkohl, Vicki Luna, Frankie Demeris, Tim Goldman, Nicki and Evan Keenan, Bryce Kennard, Dwight Boykins, Mica Piro, Liz and Pete Carragher, Melna and Mike Moriarty, Cindy and Frank Liu, Marla Press, Lidiya Dean, Elizabeth Martin, and Kathryn and Eric Brueggeman