Onyx & Breezy Foundation in the Hollywood Hills along w/@Diane_Warren @Chrisaphoto @emmyrossum @greglouganis & more! Part I
April 22, 2013
There are cat lovers in the world and there are dog lovers in the world.
I'm in the dog lover camp and so were many at the recent Onyx and Breezy Foundation's "Saving Tails" Fundraiser held at James Costa's private home high in the Hollywood Hills.
These are always the best parties because it's always a select group of people, a one-of-a-kind experience and for a good cause. This was no exception.
I knew it would be good when I saw that not only was the prolific, amazing award-winning songwriter, Diane Warren being honored, and a cool photographer I had never heard of, seen here, but knew I'd like because I love all photographers, Christopher Ameruoso, many talented musicians like American Idol winner Lee DeWyze would be entertaining us throughout the night too.
Remember this sweet Golden Globes moment with Diane Warren?
Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor, and current SAG/AFTRA co-President Ken Howard and his wife Linda, along with Foundation Trustees Wanda & Mark Shefts, and co-chair Cindy Kay were also participating which made me even more interested in attending. (Here's Ken, Linda and Diane.)
I wasn't the only one intrigued by the mission and description of the Onyx and Breezy Foundation as stated here: "The Onyx and Breezy Foundation for the Welfare of Animals is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides financial support to credible organizations and individuals that benefit the welfare of animals. 100% of donations to the Foundation go directly to animals in need.
The Foundation provides assistance in a variety of ways: funding of equipment for medical facilities, spay and neuter programs, disaster relief, puppy mill rescues, food, medicine and supplies, funding of shelters, rescues, foster groups and sanctuaries. The Foundation also provides funds for the pets of individuals where hardship is present."
As I walked up to where the shuttle bus would take us to the home, Sam Elliott, Katherine Ross and others were graciously signing autographs on pictures collectors were holding. I didn't recognize Sam at first, but knew he looked familiar because his iconic moustache is rather memorable.
Here he is during the party chatting with Greg Louganis and a friend. Now do you recognize him?:)
Can you imagine the conversations all these folks were having throughout the night? I was kinda shy when I arrived because I get like that when I don't know anybody, but I did see my buddy, Photographer Michael Bezjian, who always covers the best high-end parties so I knew I was in for a treat because he only does cool events.
Here's some of his work:
After shadowing him for a bit to understand who was who, I began relaxing a little more. Kinda easy to do when there's an open bar too.:)
But they weren't the only sponsors. Ryan Kavanaugh’s newly acquired FreeHand dog food company was a presenting sponsor along with Les Compagnons Wines, Patrón Liquor and Omega Infusion Water.
I enjoyed chatting with the sponsors and learned Lend A Free Hand Dog Food will donate a bag of food to rescue organizations for every bag of food you buy.What's cool is they've won awards as one of the top dog foods too. Good for your dog and good for other dogs too!
Here's the website: www.lendafreehand.com
Now the handsome gentleman holding his bottle of French wine, Arnaud, told me they made this CA wine to honor Americans especially for the fundraiser and were donating 10% of every bottle purchased to Onyx and Breezy Foundation. He also said each label featured a different dog breed too. Rottweilers for Cabernet, Pinot Noir was a Dachshund, Golden Chardonnay's were of course, Golden Retrievers, and Pinot Grigio's were Beagles. Their tagline is "Savor a Sip...Save a Life."
But of course!:) Here's his cute dog, Beull, Arnaud was only too happy to share with me. I should have asked more guests for their pix because this one is so adorable!
Milana of Nuthin' Under A Million performed a beautiful song as we arrived. I'm even more impressed with her voice after checking out their fan page and seeing they're primarily a dance band. This girl could sing!
What was also fun, and something I forgot reading, was everyone was required to remove their shoes upon arrival. If you forgot, like me, and didn't want to go barefoot, you could wear footies graciously provided by the host.
Here's someone who didn't forget and had fun with the idea. Here's another fun picture of some of the guests in the bathroom enjoying the luxurious fur rug as we waited our turn.
Recognize anyone?:)
James Costas' home was stunningly appointed. I love fine art and his collection was exactly my taste. So nice to see him again after meeting him during the Farm Sanctuary event. Such a wonderful philanthropist for animals!
We all enjoyed shopping at the Silent Auction table which boasted Mary Frances purses and many more designer's wares as well.
Here's Arnaud again with the Foundation Trustee, Wanda Shefts, the woman who created the entire foundation along with her husband, when their two favorite Labs, Onyx and Breezy, died.
It was really moving to hear how many people's lives have been blessed by their generosity. I say generosity because 100% of the funds raised go to help animals and during the actual presentation of the night, the video shared the story of a young woman who had been fighting cancer when her dog became ill.
She wasn't able to afford to pay for her dog's treatment which is when Wanda and her team stepped in. They were able to provide pro bono treatment for her dog and she was able to have the comfort and love only an animal can provide as she lived her final two years. I was tearing up after hearing that one.
Ken Howard has been involved with this charity for many, many years as their National Spokesperson and was so kind as he circled the party.
Here's a few pictures of the party before the presentation honoring Diane Warren and Christopher began.
This is Emmy Rossum on the red carpet prior to the party wearing Ban.do I'll include more red carpet pictures and the presentation highlights in Part II. Thanks for reading Part I!
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