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Dine With Your Dog raises more than $168,000 for Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Proceeds benefit PetSmart Charities’ Paws Can Heal Animal-Assisted Therapy Program

Posted 2/19/20

The annual Dine With Your Dog brunch on Feb. 8 was a resounding success for Valley pups and their companions, raising $131,000 plus an additional donation by a generous donor raised the total to more …

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Dine With Your Dog raises more than $168,000 for Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Proceeds benefit PetSmart Charities’ Paws Can Heal Animal-Assisted Therapy Program

Posted

The annual Dine With Your Dog brunch on Feb. 8 was a resounding success for Valley pups and their companions, raising $131,000 plus an additional donation by a generous donor raised the total to more than $168,000.

All proceeds benefit PetSmart Charities Paws Can Heal Animal-Assisted Therapy program at Phoenix Children’s.

This year’s brunch was held at Monterra at Westworld. The fun-filled brunch for a good cause featured gourmet canine cuisine prepared by Phoenix Children’s own Chef Spiro Andreopoulos, a seasoned chef with international experience, according to a press release.

Their human companions enjoyed a sweet and savory brunch spread courtesy of M Catering at Monterra, plus mimosas and Tito’s Handmade Vodka Bloody Marys. Attendees had the opportunity to explore pet play areas, stroll in front of the “pup-arazzi,” chat up fellow dog lovers and bid at the silent auction.

“Dogs have a profound impact on people,” said Steve Schnall, senior vice president and chief development officer at Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation. “At Phoenix Children’s, therapeutic visits from animal-assisted therapy dogs help kids move, express their feelings and accelerate the healing process. We’re grateful so many people bring their own dogs out and support this critical program.”

Local TV anchor, radio host, producer and columnist Jan D’Atri served as emcee for the program along with event chairs Lee Courtney and Kimberly Jacobsen. Ms. D’Atri brought energy and enthusiasm to the role as the owner of 26 farm animals herself.

The program included storytelling around the impact of animal-assisted therapy, and Bryce and Debbie Sherman received the Dine With Your Dog Ambassador Award. Their son, Kameron, passed away in 2019 after a battle with cancer.

Because Kameron enjoyed his time with the dog therapy teams, they launched a foundation to honor his memory, benefitting animal-assisted therapy teams.

Sponsors for Dine With Your Dog include Alta Vista Veterinary Hospital, Penguin Air and Raising Cane’s.