ORCAT’s Annual Catwalk Fashion Show
Breaks Fundraising Records in Style
Ruby Kubac walks the runway with her pup.
ORCAT’s Catwalk Fashion Show and Luncheon came roaring back this year to a sold-out crowd and a record breaking fundraising effort as feather, pearl, and fringe-clad attendees enjoyed shopping and a fashion show courtesy of a new partner, Neiman Marcus Coral Gables. The Great Catsby theme carried seamlessly from room to room in Town Hall, the atmosphere convivial as attendees sipped champagne and mingled with fellow partygoers perusing decadent jewels and the latest in designer fashion.
This year’s program, led by MC Paul Bishop and ORCAT Chairwoman Luisa Bryan, was moving and heartfelt. The Penny W. Stamps Award was presented to Yolanda Berkowitz by ORCAT board members Alex Lovett-Woodsum, previous recipient of the award, and Annie Stamps, Penny’s daughter, in recognition of her significant contributions to animal welfare in South Florida. Berkowitz founded Friends of Miami Animals in 2016 with the mission to save and improve the lives of homeless pets and help low-income qualified pet owners. She has increased access to spay/neuter and veterinary care in Miami-Dade county, organized countless airlifts for at-risk animals, and personally rescued numerous at-risk dogs.
A video outlined ORCAT’s pioneering Trap-Neuter-Release program and history of caring for Ocean Reef’s beloved feral cats and highlighted some of the adoptable kitties awaiting forever homes at the Grayvik Animal Care Center. The room was abuzz at the announcement of the forthcoming diagnostic and surgical suite. Chairwoman Luisa Bryan expressed gratitude to the hard-working ORCAT board and staff and noted the significant impact of Veterinary Medical Director Dr. Lora Cummings in her first year. She thanked the attendees for their generosity, which helped raise a record-shattering $363,000 to support ORCAT’s important efforts.
As Jazz Age favorites reverberated in the background, Berkowitz kicked off Paws on the Runway with handsome adoptable rescue dog Charlie Gatsby. Next came the 2022 Pet of the Year, Havanese Henry Glidden, escorted by owner Eileen wearing a gravity defying pink fascinator. Delicate pearl leashes and collars adorned Frenchie siblings Chuckie and Nellie Levitetz, guided by owner Ruby in a stunning flapper dress. Dapper tie-wearing Golden Retriever Shep Steinhilber and his elegant owner Diane made their way down the runway next, with Shep wowing the crowd as he carried his own leash. Paws on the Runway concluded with tiny fashionista Coco Herson, who received the Best Dressed award for her custom silver sequined number that perfectly matched owner Barbara’s stunning dress.
The pups and their owners were followed by lithe models showcasing Neiman Marcus’ Spring 2022 fashions. To the audience’s delight, Coco and Nellie made encore appearances escorted by male models. Guests sampled chocolate covered strawberries and other confections as a parade of sumptuous fabrics, bold prints, and bright pops of color were sashayed down the runway.
All enjoyed the afternoon, with guests lingering at tables, shopping, and posing for photographs in front of the stunning red rose wall. This longstanding event has always been a favorite of the women at Ocean Reef, and this year’s party was no exception, raising significant funds to support ORCAT’s mission. We can’t wait to see what ORCAT comes up with for next year’s Catwalk.