This Side of Paradise

In order to unveil its new campus, the LA/SPCA harkened back to a time of glamour and indulgence at their 2008 Howling Success fundraising extravaganza. The theme for the evening was “The Great Catsby: A Roaring ’20s Tribute to 120 Years of LA/SPCA.” Event Rental transformed the new 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd. location into a stunning soiree Fitzgerald himself would have admired. Jeremy Davenport provided entertainment at the patron party beforehand, followed by Deacon John at the Gala itself. Guests donned their elegant Jazz Age best in hopes of winning the night’s costume contest, while many participated in the Charleston Dance Contest. There was casino gaming in the “Gin Room” and guests could indulge in a friendly game of croquet on the “Great Catsby” Lawn. SPCA volunteers provided tours of the new facility throughout the night and there were plenty of vintage 1920s cars to be ogled. The four opens bars were courtesy of the Goldring Family Foundation, which once again donated all wine and spirits for both the patron party and gala. CNN Anchor Rob Marciano served as Master of Ceremonies, and a slew of the journalistically minded made up the event’s Celebrity Chairs, including Angela Hill, Nancy Parker, Michael Hill and Roop Raj. More than 30 of the city’s finest restaurants provided nibbles for the party, with Gautreau’s Sue Zemanick sitting pretty as the 2008 Honorary Restaurant Chair. All proceeds for the evening benefitted the LA/SPCA, which helps thousands of animals every year find great care and homes.