Saturday, November 13 truly was a celebration. 580 animal lovers in festive attire were ready to help the animals at the 35th Anniversary of the Citizens for Animal Protection Celebrity Paws Gala at the Royal Sonesta.
The theme of the night started as guest entered the hotel with colorful stilt-walking characters, a 360-degree photo booth, music, auction, and wine pull, all of which made for lively activities for everyone. Attendees mixed and mingled with the Instagram worthy pic opportunities and well as the roving photo booth. A second line band led the way to the ballroom to keep the energy going. Gala Chairs Meghan Cornelius and Katie Gibson and Honorary Chair Edna Meyer Nelson were thrilled with the results of a record breaking $800,000 raised, which included raffle tickets for a 2021 Subaru Forester generously donated by West Houston Subaru. The main ballroom doors opened to playful lite up gift boxes, tall balloons floating and colorful florals by ArtAttack. The prefect song to open the night, “Celebration” played with dancers on the runway from J&D Entertainment, who also provided all the entertainment for the event, to welcome the sold-out crowd into the ballroom. Two standing ovations greeted special Honoree Kappy Muenzer, CAP Executive Director Emeritus for her 47 years of service to CAP including starting the Celebrity Paws Gala, leading CAP as Executive Director for many years, and completing the state-of-the art shelter CAP occupies today in 2011. Songs by Space City Singers, a poem written by Mike Moriarty, a city proclamation, and a portrait from Gittings were all presented to Kappy on stage. Many family members of Muenzer’s flew into Houston for the evening.
