THE VANDERPUMP DOG FOUNDATION GALA
OUR ANNUAL VANDERPUMP DOG FOUNDATION FUNDRAISING GALA
Our mission is to host a fabulous fundraising gala each year! Not only is this a beautiful night that celebrates our mutual love of dogs; it's a chance for us to recognize our sponsors, ambassadors and supporters; and, most importantly, to raise funds for our domestic and international programs! Together, we can help create a better world for dogs both domestically and internationally.
OUR 2023 GALA
THE MAYBOURNE HOTEL, BEVERLY HILLS
Video by Curatable, footage by Edmund Prieto & McCall Ryan
On Thursday, May 18, 2023, Lisa Vanderpump and The Vanderpump Dog Foundation hosted its 5th Annual Gala, presented by Topanga Social and Posh Puppy, at The Maybourne Hotel in Beverly Hills. The purpose of the Gala was to raise awareness and the necessary funds to continue their ongoing rescue efforts, rescuing & rehabilitating dogs both domestically and internationally.
The sold-out event kicked off at 6pm with Red Carpet arrivals and a beautiful candlelit cocktail hour and a silent auction. Celebrities and attendees bid on a variety of donated luxury items ranging from hotel stays to dog beds and luxury beauty packages. At 7:30pm the doors opened to a stunning ballroom complete with beautiful flowers donated by Sami Sacha Flowers, and candelabras and gorgeous arrangements by Luxury Events by Kevin Lee, for a dinner that included music, dancing, celebrity performances, celebrity speakers, and an incredible Live Auction of one-of-a-kind experiences.
Guests were treated to incredible performances by Tony & Emmy Award Winning singer and actor, Kristin Chenoweth, who performed three beautiful songs; amazing electronic violinist Lindsey Stirling, and the one and only Trixie Mattel. Dinner entertainment included sets from the stunning band “Impulse” by West Coast Music who closed out the night.
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation honored LAFD Firefighter Rudy Morefield with their “Dog Hero of the Year” Award, for saving a dog from a burning building and performing Emergency Medical Care in order to get the dog breathing again. Guests enjoyed Sparkling Wine from Ferrari, Vanderpump Wines, Casamigos Margaritas and Tito’s Pumptinis.
““It was a glorious night, filled with poignant stories, uplifting tales of rescue and incredible performers. Kristin Chenoweth was extraordinary, Trixie Mattel was hilarious, Lindsey Stirling was phenomenal and the band IMPULSE by West Coast Music made the evening spectacular. The setting at the Maybourne Hotel was so beautiful, and we had an unbelievable show of support for our mission, helping us raise funds to continue our life-saving work in the world of dog rescue. I thank everyone who helped us raise awareness for our cause from the bottom of my heart,””
Many of Lisa’s close friends showed up to support the cause, including a wonderful amount of celebrities who helped raise awareness on the red carpet and through social media. Including Kristin Chenoweth, Mario and Courtney Lopez, Paula Abdul, Lindsey Stirling, Lance Bass and Michael Turchin, and Trixie Mattel. Real Housewives cast member Garcelle Beauvais and her son Oliver Saunders came to support as well as Vanderpump Rules cast members LaLa Kent, Tom Schwartz, James Kennedy, Ally Lewber and Peter Madrigal. Other celebrities who enjoyed the evening included Jerry O’Connell, Rebecca Romijn, Emmy Perry, Jon Lovitz, Steve-O, The Bachelor’s Nick Viall, Jeff Lewis, Heather McDonald, Golnesa Gharachedaghi, Reza Farahan, LeeAnne Locken, Travis Austin, Jesse Bradford, Andrea Watrouse, Evan Antin and Martyn Lawrence Bullard.
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of presenting sponsors Topanga Social, hosting sponsors Posh Puppy; JSX, Evolution Media, Caesars Entertainment and Bravo. Other sponsors of the event included Bubble Universe, Shady Paws , Just Food For Dogs, Loyola High School, Lovegevity, Emmy’s Hope, Dog Mom Lifestyles, Daily Mail, Minnidip, Travis Austin Customs, Silvercrest Advertising, CAA and Entertainment 360, with special thanks to Kevin Lee, Sami Sacha Flowers, Mindy Levine, Wendy & Jacques Bouthillier and Dan Clivner.
Mario Lopez, the event’s host for the fifth year in a row, began the evening and continued to host throughout the night. The Vanderpump Dog Foundation’s founder, Lisa Vanderpump, addressed the guests, drawing attention to the Foundation’s progress, including an update on their second shelter in China that houses hundreds of dogs saved from the dog meat trade, as well as several of the incredible success stories of the 2500+ dogs adopted to their forever homes since the Vanderpump Dog Rescue Center opened on West 3rd Street in Los Angeles in March of 2017, and their recent initiatives, including their Emergency Medical Fund, Vanderpump Nursery and their Vanderpump Veterans Program. Other notable presenters included Lance Bass and Paula Abdul.
Photos by Nikki Ryan Photography & McCall Media Management
2019 VANDERPUMP DOG FOUNDATION GALA
On November 21st, 2019, we hosted our 4th Annual Gala, presented by Petplan Pet Insurance and Zappos for Good, at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Los Angeles. The purpose of the Gala was to raise awareness about our efforts to end the dog meat trade, draw attention to our current and future initiatives within the US and internationally, as well as raise funds to continue the work of the Foundation. It was once again a huge success and we thank everyone who attended or contributed to our evening!!!
Photo by Betsy Newman Photography
The sold-out event kicked off at 6pm with Red Carpet arrivals and a beautiful candlelit cocktail hour and a silent auction. Celebrities and attendees bid on a variety of donated luxury items ranging from hotel stays to dog beds and luxury beauty packages. At 7:30pm the doors opened to a stunning ballroom complete with beautiful flowers and candelabras for a dinner that included music, dancing, celebrity performances, celebrity speakers, and an incredible Live Auction of one-of-a-kind experiences.
Photo by Betsy Newman Photography
Mario Lopez, the event’s host for the fourth year in a row, began the evening and continued to host throughout the night. Our founder, Lisa Vanderpump, addressed the guests, drawing attention to the Foundation’s progress, including the opening of a second shelter in China that houses a combined total of 500 dogs saved from the dog meat trade, as well as several of the incredible success stories of the 1300+ dogs adopted to their forever homes since the Vanderpump Dog Rescue Center opened on West 3rd Street in Los Angeles in March of 2017. Other notable presenters included Ross Matthews, Dr. Evan Antin, and LaLa Kent.
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation honored Congressman Ted Deutch, presenting him via satellite with their 2019 “Dog Hero” Award for his commitment to creating a more humane world for animals and successfully passing the second Bill the Vanderpump Dog Foundation has championed, the PACT Act, that makes animal cruelty a federal crime. This legislative victory was a huge accomplishment for animal rights across the United States.
Guests were treated to incredible performances by Ally Brooke, who performed her new single, ‘Higher,” and a special duet by Leona Lewis and the 2019 America’s Got Talent Winner, Kodi Lee. Dinner entertainment included sets from the stunning jazz band J Society (Downbeat LA) and DJ James Kennedy from Bravo’s ‘Vanderpump Rules’ closed out the night.
Many of Lisa’s close friends showed up to support the cause, including a wonderful amount of celebrities who helped raise awareness on the red carpet and through social media. Including Mario and Courtney Lopez, Ally Brooke, Leona Lewis, Ross Matthews, LaLa Kent, and Kodi Lee, Real Housewives cast members Kim Richards, Camille Grammar, Shannon Storms Beador, Braunwyn Windham-Burke, and Joyce Giraud came to support. Vanderpump Rules cast members Kristen Doute, Brittany Cartwright, Scheana Shay, Tom Schwartz, Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval, Raquel Leviss, James Kennedy and LaLa Kent also danced the night away. New cast members of Vanderpump Rules, Max Boyens, Brett Caprioni and Dayna Kathan also attended. Other celebrities who enjoyed the evening included, Christy and Autumn Gibel, Jasmine Goode, Robby Hayes, Emmy Perry, Nicky Whelan and Chaz Dean.
OUR 2019 GALA SPONSORS
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of presenting sponsors Petplan Pet Insurance, Zappos for Good, hosting sponsors Planet Hollywood and Metropolitan Animal Hospital, platinum sponsors SUR Restaurant, WEN by Chaz Dean, Cameo!
Other sponsors of the event included, T. Jazelle, Palm Bay International, Caesar’s Palace, Shady Paws, Emmy’s Hope, Baskin Robbins, Loyola High School of Los Angeles, Evolution Media, Bravo, Daily Mail, Marie France Van Damme
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2018 VANDERPUMP DOG FOUNDATION GALA
On Nov. 15, 2018, we hosted our 3rd Annual Fundraising Gala, presented by Zappos for Good, at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Los Angeles. The purpose of the Gala was to raise awareness about their efforts to end the dog meat trade, draw attention to their current and future campaigns within the US and internationally, and raise money to continue our Foundation’s work. Once again, the night was a huge success – hundreds of people gathered together to celebrate dogs, and help improve the lives of abused and mistreated dogs both domestically and internationally.
The Gala’s red carpet kicked off at 6 p.m., with a beautiful candlelit cocktail hour and a silent auction. Celebrities and attendees bid on a variety of donated luxury items ranging from hotel stays to dog beds and luxury beauty packages. At 7:30 p.m. the doors opened to a stunning ballroom complete with beautiful flowers and candelabras for a dinner that included music, dancing, celebrity performances, celebrity speakers and an incredible Live Auction of one-of-a-kind experiences.
Mario Lopez, the event’s host for the third year in a row, began the evening and continued to host throughout the night. Our founder, Lisa Vanderpump, made a heart- wrenching and moving speech, while recapping the successes of the Foundation. Lisa delineated the foundation’s medical missions to China, the opening of their first China-based rescue facility, the successful passing of House Resolution 401, and the incredible success stories of the 750+ dogs adopted out since the Vanderpump Dog Rescue Center opened in March of 2017.
The 450 attendees of Vanderpump’ s Annual Gala enjoyed the musical performances of NBC's 'The Voice' Billy Gilman, LIV Entertainment’s band, Legendary and up and coming artist, Cami Jane.
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation honored Congressman Alcee Hastings, presenting him via satellite with their 2018 “Dog Hero” Award for his commitment to creating a more humane world for dogs worldwide, for the successful passing of House Resolution 401, co-authored by the Vanderpump Dog Foundation. Leona Lewis, a strong supporter of the Foundation, also presented an award.
Many of Lisa’s close friends showed up to support the cause, including a wonderful amount of celebrities who helped raise awareness on the red carpet and through social media. Aside
from Extra’s Mario and Courtney Lopez, and Leona Lewis, Real Housewives cast members Gretchen Rossi & Slade Smiley, Melissa Gorga, LeeAnne Locken, Kameron Westcott and Lydia McLaughlin were in attendance. Vanderpump Rules cast members Jax Taylor, Kristen Doute, Brian Carter, Brittany Cartwright, Scheana Marie, Stassi Schroeder, Peter Madrigal, Katie Maloney-Schwartz, Tom Schwartz, James Kennedy, LaLa Kent came out to support. Other celebrities who attended included Diane Warren, Christy and Autumn Gibel, Amanda Cerny, Jenni Pulos, Jonathan Nassos, Jasmine Goode, Mercedes Javid, Heather McDonald, Austin Anderson and Emmy Perry.
OUR 2018 GALA SPONSORS
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of presenting
sponsor Zappos for Good, hosting sponsor Planet Hollywood, Corporate Sponsors, JetBlue, Randy and Mindy Levine, Palm Bay International, SUR Restaurant, Barkworthies and Scruff-a-Luvs. Other sponsors of the event included Emmy’s Hope, Shady Paws, Loyola High School of Los Angeles, Evolution Media, Bravo, Deutsche Bank, Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital and Asta Razma.
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2017 VANDERPUMP DOG FOUNDATION GALA
On November 9th, 2017, Lisa Vanderpump and The Vanderpump Dog Foundation hosted our second annual Gala, presented by Zappos for Good, at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Los Angeles. The purpose of the Gala was to raise awareness about our efforts to end the dog meat trade, draw attention to our current and future campaigns within the US and raise money to continue our work. The Gala was a complete success – hundreds of people gathered together to celebrate dogs, and help improve the lives of abused and mistreated dogs both domestically and internationally.
The Gala’s red carpet kicked off at 6pm, with a beautiful candlelit cocktail hour and a silent auction. Celebrities and attendees bid on a variety of donated luxury items ranging from hotel stays to dog beds and luxury beauty packages. At 7:30pm the doors opened to a stunning ballroom complete with pink roses and candelabras for a dinner that included music, dancing, celebrity performances, celebrity speakers and an incredible Live Auction of one-of-a-kind experiences.
Mario Lopez, the event’s host for the second year in a row, began the evening and continued to host throughout the night. Lisa Vanderpump, made a heart-wrenching and moving speech, while recapping the successes of the Foundation, including medical missions to Yulin, China, and Haiti, as well as sharing some of the incredible success stories of the 350 dogs adopted out since the Vanderpump Dog Rescue Center opened.
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation honored former corporal Megan Leavy, presenting her with our 2017 “Dog Hero” Award for her service to both her country and the canine community. The Foundation also awarded Honey, a survivor of the Yulin Dog Meat Festival this year, as their “2017 Dog of the Year”. Honey was rescued from the Yulin Dog Meat Festival, and brought back to the Vanderpump Dog Rescue Center by our Executive Director, Dr. John Sessa, and has since been adopted by a loving, caring family.
Celebrity performances were peppered throughout this gorgeous event, with performances by Billy Gilman (The Voice), singer and actor Cheyenne Jackson (American Horror Story), and an incredible dinner performance by the band Shirley House. The night ended with a spectacular dance performance from Dancing with the Stars’ Julz Tocker and partner Rachel White, followed by a night of guests dancing, with stars Lance Bass, Michael Turchin, Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd leading the way.
Photos by Faye Sadou
Many celebrities and activists showed up to support the cause, and helped raise awareness on the red carpet and through social media. Aside from Extra’s Mario and Courtney Lopez, Lance Bass and Michael Turchin, who supported the event by hosting and presenting, Real Housewives cast members Gretchen Rossi & Slade Smiley, Taylor Armstrong, Joyce Giraud, Melissa Gorga, Dolores Catania, Teddi Jo Mellencamp, D’Andra Simmons and Kameron Westcott were in attendance. Vanderpump Rules cast members Jax Taylor, Kristen Doute, Brian Carter, Brittany Cartwright, Scheana Shay, Stassi Schroeder, Peter Madrigal, Katie Maloney-Schwartz, Tom Schwartz, Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval and James Kennedy came out to support. Other celebrities who attended included Christy and Autumn Gibel, Mohamed Hadid, Shiva Safai, Jeff Lewis, Gage Edwards, Jenni Pulos, Jonathan Nassos, John Jay, Amanda Stanton, Jasmine Goode, Mercedes Javid, Wendy Burch, Fortune Feimster, Heather McDonald, Austin Anderson and Emmy Perry.
OUR 2017 GALA SPONSORS
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of presenting sponsor Zappos for Good, hosting sponsor Collide, corporate sponsors Evolution Media, Randy and Mindy Levine, Palm Bay International and SUR Restaurant. Other sponsors of the event included, Kibble Pet, Shady Paws, Emmy’s Hope, Lovegevity, Loyola High School of Los Angeles, and the Hutcherson Family.
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2016 VANDERPUMP DOG FOUNDATION GALA
On November 3rd, 2016, The Vanderpump Dog Foundation hosted our first annual Gala at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Los Angeles. The purpose of our Gala was to raise awareness about our efforts to end the dog meat trade, draw attention to our current and future campaigns within the US and raise money to continue our Foundation’s work. The Gala was a complete success – hundreds of people gathered together to celebrate dogs, and help us improve the lives of abused and mistreated dogs both domestically and internationally.
The Gala’s red carpet opened at 6pm, with a beautiful candlelit cocktail hour and a silent auction. Celebrities and attendees bid on a variety of donated luxury items; from hotel stays to dog beds and diamond earrings. At 7:30pm the doors opened to a stunning ballroom complete with pink roses and cherry blossom trees, for a dinner that included music, dancing, celebrity performances, celebrity speakers and a live auction.
The incomparable Mario Lopez began the evening and continued to host throughout the night. The Vanderpump Dog Foundation’s founder, Lisa Vanderpump, made a heart-wrenching and moving speech, while introducing the trailer for our upcoming documentary “Road to Yulin.”
The night kicked off with an amazing performance by Leona Lewis singing our Stop Yulin Forever campaign song “(We Are All) Looking For Home,” that was generously donated to the Vanderpump Dog Foundation by award-winning songwriter Diane Warren. Eric Benét also gave a fabulous performance to the attendees, which was followed up by a lighthearted performance (complete with dancing dog costumes!) by some of the pros from Dancing with the Stars.
Many of Lisa’s close friends showed up to support the cause, including a wonderful amount of celebrities who helped raise awareness on the red carpet and through social media. Real Housewives cast members Gretchen Rossi & Slade Smiley, Taylor Armstrong, Stephanie Hollman, Eden Sassoon, Joyce Giraud, Dorit & Paul Kingsley and Kyle Richards & Mauricio Umansky were in attendance. Vanderpump Rules cast members Jax Taylor, Kristen Doute, Brian Carter, Brittany Cartwright, Scheana Shay, Stassi Schroeder, Peter Madrigal, Katie Maloney-Schwartz, Tom Schwartz, LaLa Kent, Ariana Madix, Tom Sandoval and James Kennedy came out to support. Other celebrities including Extra’s Mario and Courtney Lopez, Dance Moms’ Nia Sioux, Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles’s David Parnes and James Harris, Terri Seymour, Christy Gibel, Bruce Vilanch, Mohamed Hadid, Julz Tocker, Fortune Feimster, and Rochelle Aytes were also in attendance.
OUR 2016 GALA SPONSORS
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of BHPS, Collide, Palm Bay International, SUR Restaurant, WEN Hair and Body Care, Posh Puppy Boutique, Accurate INC and Modern Dog Magazine.