F O  R   I M M E D I A T E    R E L E A S E

FASHION FRENZY FOR OUR FURRY FRIENDS
Charity Event Walks The Catwalk for The Dogs
On February 28, 2007
Ultra Supper Club (314 Queen Street W. Toronto)
Wine reception & Hors d`oeuvres - 8:00p.m.- Show:9:30p.m.
Silent Auction - 8:00p.m.- 10p.m.  
Tickets $20.00  Cash Bar

(Toronto, Canada) - Canine cancer is the leading cause of death among dogs, and a frontline health concern for the humans who love them.  

We invite you to join event founder Roanna Sabeh-Azar and a host of entertainers, local celebrities, prominent fashion designers and models who are lending their support to the Fashion Frenzy for our Furry Friends fundraiser gala.  
The event will raise money to support  Guelph University’s canine cancer research program via The Smiling Blue Skies, a fundraising body that works on behalf of the Ontario Veterinary College’s Pet Trust Fund.  

Fashion Frenzy for our Furry Friends will present the latest 2007 Spring collections for humans and canines. Style expert Wendy Bannerman of Bannerman’s Clothing will co-ordinate the red-letter dual-designer evening featuring a first-of-its-kind Toronto premiere showing of Versace’s canine collection. Fashionistas will also be treated to a showcase of the fashionable dog designs of designer-to-the-stars Thien Le, heir apparent to St. Laurent and Dior.

Toronto-based haute couture designers will also lend their support to the evening. Among them: Vivian George, Anna Kraevska,Rianni, Rococo, Martiza Reyes, Jeanne Lottie, Daniel Espinosa, Neo-Paws™ introducing their new Neo-Gear™ line and hat apparel mavens Big It Up.  
  
Prepped with makeup by Fenice and hair artistry by Salon JIE, our celebrity human models will accompany our well-dressed dogs on the catwalk. They include: Robert Gage hair dresser to the rich & famous, Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman of Designer Guys, the host of Home To Stay Peter Fallico, Style By Jury’s David Clemmer, Miss Latino Canada Mariana Valente, Ann Layton, of Siren Communications, Robin Kay, President of Fashion Design Council of Canada, and  Anne Mrcozkowski, Anchor/Reporter " CityNews at Six."  

The hosts for Fashion Frenzy For Our Furry Friends  will be eTalk’s  Tanya Kim and Maggie Cassella, Founder of the We’re Funny That Way Comedy Festival and103.9 PROUD FM host. Entertainment for the evening includes opera singer Marie Nicola and the fabulous dance troupe Blue Sankofa Inc.



About Pet Trust Fund
The Ontario Veterinary College Pet Trust Fund promotes the health, health care and quality of life of companion animals. We support studies and special projects that improve the quality of care pets receive and that lead to advances in veterinary medicine. Our donors say that supporting OVC Pet Trust is a loving way to cherish the memory of a beloved pet, or to celebrate a special animal or animal lover.

OVC Pet Trust helps explore vital companion animal health issues, develop new diagnostic and treatment techniques and examine the human-animal bond. Pet Trust studies range from cardiology to neurology; from orthopedics to ophthalmology.

Over the next five years, the OVC Pet Trust plans to raise 10 million dollars to fund the first animal cancer centre in Canada, a place where clients can be assured that their ailing companions will receive the most advanced and effective treatments available. The clinic will staff and train international leaders in animal oncology - people not only dedicated to the health and well-being of your pet, but to ongoing interdisciplinary and collaborative research that will increase understanding and treatment of cancer in pets, and ultimately benefit human health as well. For further info, please visit: www.pettrustfund.ca  and for more info on SmilingBlueSkies, please visit: www.smilingblueskies.com


About Roanna Sabeh-Azar
For the past 12 years, she has diligently worked to make Neo-Paws™ International the number one shoe and apparel company globally. Inspired by the recent cancer death of her dog Buster, she has become dedicated to helping pets and their owners live healthier and happier lives. This business is her passion because it meets all of her demands and allows her to play every day. For further info, please visit: www.neopaws.com Roanna is also the host of the popular television show Entrada, Journeys in Latin American Culture and Cuisine.


About Wendy Bannerman
Wendy Bannerman owner of Bannerman's in Peterborough is recognized as one of the top 5 stores in Canada by Flare magazine and often appears in national magazines for her expert advise. Her clients come from all over the globe for her unique look that she hand picks from designer collections and in some cases jointly designs. She is the wardrobe consultant for many high profile clients with a diversified requirement, ranging from accepting the Order of Canada to appearing on national television.


About Thien Le
The Designer of the stars. An icon of Canadian fashion is often compared to the likes of Eves St Laurent and Dior. Toronto-based  designer Thien Le is an artist of many trades. A visual artist at heart, he now imparts his natural eye for line, style, and colour into his vibrant creations. His client list include Shirley Douglas, Colm Feore, Tia Carrera, Wendy Crewson, LeeLee Sobieski, Wendy Crewson.  For more info, please visit: www.thienle.com


About Daniel Espinosa
Daniel's creativity has risen from an extravagant combination of two elements: the Latin tradition, in which adornment plays a primary role, and his European education, that has been enriched with studies of Art in Florence, fashion in Holland and International Marketing in New York.

One of the mayor examples in the avant garde designs of Daniel Espinosa are the people who have portrayed his jewelry, from the elegant to the bold. We can mention the Kings of Greece, Mrs. Martha Sahagún de Fox, Guadalupe Loaeza, Madonna, Hilary Duf, Susan Sarandon, who he admires profoundly, and Halle Berry, to mention a few examples. For further info, please visit: www. danielespinosa.com


About Vivian George
A musician and Founder of Toast Clothing Co. Ms. George designed the first down filled snow skirt, similar to snow pants, but in a more stylist manner. With an International distribution deal with Canada Goose, TOAST will be available in stores worldwide. The fashion show will see Models all TOASTY with the debut of a doggie version. For more info, please visit: www.toastskirts.com / www.viviangeorge.com


About Maritza Reyes
Maritza Reyes is a bright star among the new generation of Latin American Fashion Designers, born in Valledupar, Colombia. The search for new artistic expressions led her into the world of Fashion. Maritza is the founder and producer of New Fashion Talent Show an fashion extravaganza held each year in Toronto. For more info, please visit: www.maritzareyes.com


About Rococo
Rococo is committed  to provide young, active and professional women with luxury fashion garments that offer a style of sophistication and vogue.
For more info, please visit: www.rococo.ca


About Jeannie Lottie
A Canadian venture born in 1985, the Jeanne Lottie empire today represents handbags first and foremost, spanning further to a variety of shoes, jewellery, keychains, stationery, and the introduction of my new signature fragrance Diamant Rose. For more info, please visit: www.jeannelottie.com


About Anna Kraevska
Anna Kraevska was born in L'viv Ukraine and moved to Canada with her family in 1989. While in High School she became interested in fashion, and began her career by designing for her high school fashion shows. Anna went on to study Fashion Design in Ryerson University. During her studies she spent half of a year on exchange program with School of Fashion at the University of Birmingham, England. After graduating, she kept active in designing and making unique clothing. Her creations have been featured in Niagara Artists Company (NAC) Fundraiser Fashion Event for the past 6 years.


About Big It Up - Hats
The expression defines the company: to show respect, to give support, to take pride, to value quality. The Big It Up team, represent the faces  of Toronto, the world's most multicultural city. For more info, please visit: www.bigitup.com



The Entertainers

About Marie “ Karmacake” Nicola
From the land of Stompin’ Tom & Platinum Blond, Marie bares the distinction of being the only Maritimer who has never stepped on a fishing boat ever; Ever. A bachelor of Music grad from Mount Allison University, Marie moved to Toronto to pursue a career in opera. While continuing her education with some of the country’s top opera singers, she indulged her love of modeling, pageants, and hosting. Including, Miss Universe Canada.

Miss Toronto, Miss World Canada, Mojo Chick Panelist, Ottawa Living Cohost, Face of KMS California, Style by Jury, Edge 102, Small Room Live, Natradio’s Liquid Lunch, and even is a published columnist as a result of her popular pop culture blog Karmacake. Her newest venture, combining operatic tracks to dance beats. For more info, please visit: www.myspace/karamake.com



Blue Sankofa Inc. is own and operated by James Williams, a professional artist with over 19 years of experience teaching and performing all over the world and on-stage with the biggest names in the industry, such as Patti Labelle and Destiny’s Child. The word Sankofa means “Looking to the past to help you move forward,” and James explains he selected it because of its connection to his African roots and his love for the art of dancing. For more info, please visit: www.bluesankofainc.com

Silent Auction Sponsors

Purina (2 Pet Kits), Inniskillin (VIP Winery Tour for 4), Dog Paddling Adventures (Adventure Trip), Amber ($100 Gift Certificate), Modern Dog Magazine (Subscription), Animal Wellness Magazine (Subscriptions), Elizabeth Grant Cosmetics (Gift basket of Cosmetics $800-$900 value), Pet Value (Pet Gift Basket), Sasha's Blend (Gift Basket(s) ), Daniel Espinosa (2 pieces), Rococo Designs (Gown(s)), Claudia Hehr (1 Hr Consultation - $200), Nickolette Reid (Wardrobe Consultation - $500), Aniko and Spa suite (2 treatments away from the body and mind department), The spa suite @ the gladstone hotel ($200.00 certificate), Babalu'u Club ($100 Gift Certificate), The MM Spa ($300 Gift Certificate), The Men's Power Spa (Treatment), Toronto Maple Leafs (Autographed Plaque), Fenice Cosmetics (Product value $200), Friends of Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund (Stay at Delta Chelsea Hotel), Jeanne Lottie Fashions (Handbag), Dog House wines (Case of wine), Neo-Paws (Gift certificate), Howard Johnson Hotel by the Falls (1 night getaway with your dog), Royal Resort ($250 gift certificate), Residence & Conference Centers (2 night stay at any Residence & Conference Center across Canada), Delta Toronto East (Sunday Brunch for Two), petscanstay.com (infomation coming soon), Smiling Blue Skies (Original doggie jewelry), Samson GI  (3 Personal Fitness Sessions), Touch of Love Dog Care  (250.00 Gift Basket)

Gift Bags provided by:
Purina, Benny Bullys, Sasha's Blend, Pets Magazine, Modern Dog, NOW, Animal Wellness, Daniel Espinosa, Claudia Hehr, The Mens Power Spa, The MM Spa, Fenice Cosmetics, Dogs in Canada, Elizabeth Grant Cosmetics, Smiling Blue Skies, Endless Pawsibilities, The Skye's The Limit, For Canine Life Ltd., A Dog's Life

VIP Swag-bag provided by:
“Woof Woof au foie gras” dog biscuits by Chef Marc Thuet
Thuet’s unique “Woof Woof au foie gras” dog biscuits can be purchased at the restaurant location, in the bakery section, or at the soon-to-be open Atelier Thuet, located in Liberty Village. To the delight of pooches, artisanal dog biscuits are made with garlic, cognac, port, veggies, eggs and double-stage duck stock that takes Chef Marc Thuet five days to prepare. The finishing touch: Thuet glazes the bones with a foie gras reduction. Atelier Thuet is located at 171 East Liberty St., Ste. 155.

Media:
Lush Magazine, 'Dogs, Dogs, Dogs', Pets Magazine, Animal Wellness, Dogs in Canada, Elle, NOW

For More Info. To set up An interview:
Please contact:
Bianca Kapteyn,
bianca@canineculture.ca

cell: 416.970.5809
www.canineculture.ca

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