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Birmingham, AL: At the 19th Annual Picasso Pets gala Presented by Medical Properties Trust, Hand in Paw supporters raised over $335,000 to help people in need experience the power of Animal-Assisted Therapy, making it the highest grossing Picasso Pets ever. Picasso Pets is Hand in Paw’s largest single source of revenue and ensures that their services can be delivered at no charge to over 75 facilities.
Picasso Pets took place on August 17th at The Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook. The gala included a wonderful silent and live auction that included many unique, can’t-get-anywhere-else items. Throughout the event, guests enjoyed sipping on yummy libations, meeting some of Hand in Paw's stellar Therapy Teams including Herbie the hairless cat, and listening to heartfelt testimonials from community partners and Therapy Teams.
One of the evening's most anticipated moments was getting to see the completed Picasso Pets paintings which were made by pets belonging to prominent members of the community (with a little help from well-known local artists). This year’s presenters included Terri Denard & Steven Reider, Kim & Corbin Day, Shannon Black, Idie & Chris Hastings, Sarah Kana & Spencer Lacey, Melanie Lewis, and Melissa Mancini & Matt Dickerson. This year’s artists included Tom Findlay, Bob McKenna, Linda Ellen Price, Arthur Price, Susan Oliver, Liz Lane, and John Lytle Wilson.
The theme of the night and inspiration for the 2019 Face of Picasso Pets was the work of American artist Jeff Koons who is most well-known for his "Balloon Dog" sculptures. All around the venue were balloon dog sculptures, luscious succulents, brightly colored flowers, and the Face of Picasso Pets, Trooper Yancey, incorporated on several items including the wine bottles and drink cups. Guests participated in the theme by wearing their most colorful cocktail attire.
Executive Director, Margaret Stinnett, comments, “Another successful Picasso Pets is in the books! We can’t thank our sponsors, volunteers and guests enough for making the 19th annual Picasso Pets a huge success. Because of the generous support of this meaningful event, Hand in Paw will continue to serve the most vulnerable in our population through Animal Assisted Therapy. See you next year at the 20th annual Picasso Pets!”
Emcee: Morgan Murphy • Honorary Event Chairs: Judge and Mrs. Scott Vowell • Sponsorship Chairs: Sheryl and Jon Kimerling • Auctioneer: C. King Benefit Auctions • Guest Auctioneer: Ken Jackson • Face of Picasso Pets: “Lucky” Trooper Yancey • Title Sponsor: Medical Properties Trust • Stage Sponsor: Tito’s Handmade Vodka • Photo Booth Sponsor: John 3:16 • VIP Room Sponsor: Birmingham Legion F.C.
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ABOUT HAND IN PAW
With a mission to improve human health & well-being, Hand in Paw is Alabama’s premier Animal-Assisted Therapy provider and a national leader in this growing field. Hand in Paw’s professionally-trained volunteer handler and animal Therapy Teams help improve people’s day to day lives in over 75 medical centers, schools, and human service organizations throughout North Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa. Our volunteer teams make thousands of beneficial visits through community events and participating facilities each year, helping countless children with special needs, at-risk youth, struggling students, and people with chronic and terminal illnesses. At no time has Hand in Paw charged for its services. For more information, visit www.handinpaw.org.
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