The event, to be held on Sunday, Nov 19, will be the sixth annual fundraiser held to help provide assistance to independent animal welfare rescue volunteers in the north of the island, explained key organiser of the event, Janice Deknatel, owner of CHOW Pet Foods.
“CHOW Pet Foods makes fresh natural dog food delivered to people’s doors weekly. In addition to donating 2kg of food per client per month, we also host a charity event every year – but this will be our first of the sit-down gala kind. Previously, we held our events by the beach. It has turned into an annual doggy fashion show in its own way,” explains Janice.
“This year we have great help and support from Blue Tree, who is organising the venue, entertainment equipment, F&B, and location! Extra thank you to Khun Kay and Chef Bryan from Blue Tree. Money raised will be used among animal rescuers for sterilisation and vaccination and improve the health of street dogs and cats,” she adds.
Thalang Pet Hospital has set up a fund that can be accessed by multiple rescuers within the community. “As these people are independent rescuers they are not tied to a specific charity group but they do a LOT in the community. These are ladies well known by locals,” explains Janice.
“They drive around Phuket daily to feed strays; they provide medical treatment to injured strays. They capture, sterilise and release stray cats and dogs. They take in and foster puppies and rehome to take them off the streets. They keep their eyes and ears open for any stray dogs or cats in need and go to great lengths to help and improve their lives. They spend nights waking up every two hours to feed puppies and kittens left behind after the mother has been killed by whatever reason. They respond to calls when anyone tells them about an animal in need.
“Dr John who has been here a long time has assisted in setting up this fund so that these independent rescuers can sterilise and where necessary cover vet bills for stray animals.
“Because they are independent rescuers everything they do is out of their own pocket – but they still answer people’s calls to help. Vet bills and sterilisations are costly so the support of donations greatly assists in their ability to do more. Dr John has offered discounted prices for his services to these rescuers in addition to setting up this fund,” she adds.
“Every year I focus on one single rescuer to raise money for them, with a larger event this year I wanted to focus efforts towards something that could support more than one person,” Janice notes.
This year she is hoping to raise B100,000 to B150,000 in donations.
MAIN EVENT
The event will be held at ‘Colosseum’, also called the ‘Amphitheatre’, where the water fountains sprout out of the ground, right opposite the Tree House.
There are 50 seats available for people, but no limit on the number of entrants in the dog fashion show. The event will start at 4pm and officially conclude at 7pm, but will likely go on through to 8pm. “It’s an early start, early finish for a fresh Monday morning,” says Janice.
“The event is tailored to adults.
of course children are welcome to join, although there is no kids’ menu or kids’ ticket price. If anyone is vegan we will also have a menu for them,” she adds.
Executive Chef Bryan has lined up a sterling menu for guests to enjoy: Rustic Pork Liver Terrine with Coconut Chutney & Country Bread; Roasted Duck Tostadas with Mango & Cabbage Slaw;
Sicilian Mackerel with Cauliflower Puree; Braised Beef Cheek, Glazed Carrots & Sweet Potato… Or Fennel & Chili Porchetta with Pumpkin Purée & Roasting Jus; and Banana Malva Pudding with Toasted Coconut Dukkah.
The night’s musical entertainment will be provided by independent artist, singer and guitarist Jay Celada, but as always the main highlight of the evening will be the fashion show.
“Human models will be dressed by Island Magic Concept Boutique, and doggies should be dressed by their owners with a Loy Krathong inspired theme,” Janice explains.
“The models are the people on the island, friends, neighbours, family. We want to maintain a community vibe. Island Magic Concept Boutique owned by Renata and Khun Pueng will be dressing the human models. The carry brands include Endless Summer by Mona and Ocean Bloom,” she adds.
The evening’s entertainment includes raffles and auctions of a wide variety of prizes. “We have memberships, IV drips, makeover vouchers, hotel vouchers, diving vouchers and a lot more up for grabs – with the biggest prize on auction being a six-hour boat trip with Simpson Yacht Charter,” Janice says.
Among the other prizes to be raffled and auctioned off are a five gym session voucher and a sports massage at Optimise Fit Phuket, a one month membership for Thailand Top Tennis Court sponsored by SiamSportsPro, and a US$1,000 cash voucher for your next dive trip sponsored by Master Liveaboards.
The full list of sponsors contributing prizes to be won include: Simpson Yacht Charter; Good Vibes Thailand; Master Liveaboard; Live More; Siam Sports Pro; Optimise Fit Phuket; Seeds of Change; Canine Point Academy; 5 Star Marine; Rustic and Blue (La Playa, By the Sea and Getaway outlets); Vegan Junkie; The Colourist; Pitch Perfect Group; Tonsai Spa; Baba Beach Club; Canine Obedience Phuket; Green Hearts Phuket; and the Pamookkoo Resort.
Tickets cost B,3000 per person. Tickets for dogs cost B500 for their own five-course dinner provided by CHOW. The deadline for registering to attend the event is Nov 15.
For more information or to register to attend the event, visit the ‘Loy Krathong Charity Gala’ event page on Facebook, or contact Janice at CHOW Pet Foods.