Fashion for the Animals

On April 17, a fashion show/cocktail party fundraiser was held at the  for the Branford Compassion Club and the . A silent auction of 35 items, ranging from a ruby and diamond ring to a 1930s billiard table were bid on by the many people that came to support two of the area's finest organizations.

The highlight of the event, by far, was the fashion show. BCC founder Eunice Lasala worked with Mern Palmer-Smith, owner of the discount designer boutique, , to outfit the models for the fashion show. Having opened her store less than a year ago, Palmer-Smith said she has fallen in love with Branford and was happy to be apart of the day's event. She provided beautiful designer clothing for the 32 models that displayed them throughout the party.

On a sad note, this entire event was dedicated to a BCC volunteer, Victoria Ann Beermuender, who passed away on April 14. Beermuender served on the Executive Board as secretary. She will be forever held in the hearts of her fellow volunteers and the countless felines that she lovingly and tirelessly helped.

The Branford Compassion Club is a non-profit, volunteer-run feline rescue organization. Their mission is to provide food, shelter and care for homeless, abandoned and feral cats and to educate the public on the importance of spaying/neutering cats for population control. BCC president (and fashion model) Mary Mellows works tirelessly to achieve these goals.

Established in 2003, the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter has provided Branford, North Branford and Northford public protection from troubled animal as well as shelter and services for lost and abandoned pets. They have also worked tirelessly to ensure all animals find homes. Shelter director, Laura Selvaggio Burban (also fashion model) said that along with the typical shelter services, they also do many other public services. They work with local schools on animal ownership education and take animals to special needs organizations like senior housings and adult daycares for beneficial animal therapy. Burban said animals can provide company for the lonely and also helping in memory stimulation.

The one thing I enjoy most of all from being part of North Branford Patch is meeting and connecting with the interesting people in our community. This event  delivered all of that and more. If you have an event coming up and would like me to photograph it, please e-mail jenn.mcculloch@patch.com or leave a note in the comment section. Thank you, John.