The 15th Annual Lint Roller Party brings out Celebs to Support Animal Advocacy

When it comes to celebrating the love of man’s (and woman’s) best friend, no city does it better than Los Angeles. The Best Friends Animal Society held its 15th Annual Lint Roller Party at the Hollywood Palladium. The night was a cause for celebration and recognition. The Best Friends Animal Society awarded individuals and organizations for doing exemplary work in giving animals a better life.

Some of the rescue dogs were lucky enough to walk on the red carpet before the event. They were joined by two legged celebrities that included, award presenters Jillian Barberie-Reynolds, Alyson Hannigan, and Eric Roberts. Joining them were Emmy Rossum, Rene Russo, Ken Howard, Arte Johnson, Cloris Leachman, Judy Tenuta, Andrew Bryniarski, Jodie Sweetin, Lisa Edelstein, and many others.

Those who walked the red carpet either brought their dogs along or gushed with joy when asked about their pets. Some even had personal rescue stories to tell. Good Day LA’s Jillian Barberie-Reynolds adopted many dogs, one in particular, Teddy, came from an abusive home. Teddy is now Jillian’s daughter’s favorite pet. Texas Chainsaw Massacre’s Andrew Bryniarski bought his Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Barkley who was found scabbed and skinny in a cage. Barkley made a full recovery since then. On the lighter side of things, many celebs gave input of what kind of dog President-elect Obama should get his children. The nominees included frontrunner the Golden Doodle, newcomer the Jack Russell, and the equally cute Cockapoo!

 

The evening started with the Founders’ Reception. Afterward, the party was in full gear with tray passed hor d’oeuvres, a dinner and dessert buffet, and an open bar. Guests dined on gourmet vegetarian food provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering. While dinner was being served, guests had the chance to bid on silent auction items, play games of chance for prizes, receive a personal psychic reading, and meet the stars of National Geographic’s “Dogtown”. For those bold enough to rock out in public, there was even a Guitar Hero station. Music was provided by Kiki Ebsen and Amy Keys. The night’s closing performance was given by Grammy artist Emmylou Harris. Attendees left the party with a gift bag heftily filled with goodies for them and their furry little friends.

Awarding Animal Advocates

Three awards were handed out to very deserving and hard working advocates. The Mini and Piffi Award for making a significant difference to the well-beings of animals were presented to Nancy Smith. Nancy feeds many cat colonies, volunteers at local veterinary hospitals, and provides hospice for those pets with terminal illnesses.

The Chrissie Award for giving animals the love, respect, and wellness they deserve went to the Stray Rescue of St. Louis. They rescue and care for many animals including those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

The Grass Roots Grant was given to Molly’s Mutts & Meows for providing Los Angeles with an all volunteer rescue and adoption organization.

Best Friends Animal Society

The society was founded almost 25 years ago with a one simple thought in mind, “No More Homeless Pets”. Best Friends has long since provided the nation’s largest sanctuary for homeless and abused animals. In their Utah facilities, they care for approximately 2,000 dogs, cats, horses, birds, rabbits, and many other animals. Along with actual physical care of animals, Best Friends hold adoption events and work with nationwide shelters and rescue groups to benefit the well-beings of those who cannot speak for themselves. Many of the guests have been familiar with The Best Friends Society for years and believe in supporting animal advocacy wholeheartedly.

The Lint Rollers’ Auction

The Lint Roller Party concluded with a performance by country sensation and animal advocate Emmylou Harris. For auction winners, the night closed with picking up their purchases. A small sampling of the auction items included:

*  The big screen is calling. A walk-on, non-speaking role in Clint Eastwood’s film, The Human Factor starring Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman was a prestigious item. The film is to be shot in South Africa. So the winner not only gets a role but a hotel stay and full airfare.

*  Tickets for the finale of Dancing With The Stars were up for grabs.

*  For racing fans, there was a 2009 Indy 500 weekend package with special privileges, and accommodations.

*  Film buffs were eager to bid on all access passes, 10 movie tickets, and accommodations for the Sundance Film Festival.

Pooch-friendly Giftbags

Guest who did not participate in the auction still left with a fair share of goodies in their gift bags. Dog friendly items were provided by Hero Dog Water, Zen Puppy Dog Treats, Dogswell, Full Petential, and American Kennel Club Green Planet Collection. People friendly goodies including a reusable bag designed by Sheryl Crow for Whole Foods, Tazo Tea, dog themed stationary, children’s DVDs and books, and even dark chocolate from Endangered Species Chocolate, among many other gifts.

For more information about The Best Friends Society which is a non-profit organization or to find out ways to help and support animal advocacy, please visit www.bestfriends.org

Photography by Greg Tidwell.