July
23rd
2008
It wasn’t just bunnies on Hef’s mind this past Saturday night as the Playboy Mansion played host to the Much Love Animal Rescue 2nd Annual Bow Wow WOW! Celebrity Fundraiser. A bevy of gorgeous and philanthropic stars turned out to hang at the Mansion and raise money for the non-profit, Much Love, which is a no kill charity that finds homes for hard to place dogs and cats in LA animal shelters, as well as providing medical care, rehabilitation, and spay and neutering services. Founded in 1999, and run by a team of dedicated volunteers, they have already managed to place over 2000 animals in good homes.
Hosted by the hilarious and spontaneous talents of Rachael Harris from Notes from the Underbelly, and Kevin Nealon of Weeds fame, the evening honored celeb activists Amy Smart (Iconic Activist Award), Good Day LA’s Jillian Barberie Reynolds (Superstar Spokesperson Award), Jerry O’Connell (Celebrity Rescuer Award), Hef’s lovely gal pal, Bridget Marquardt (Gold Heart Award), and Chela Landau (Community Liaison Award), who were all commended for their service to animal welfare. Guests were treated to a lavish vegetarian buffet courtesy of the Mansion’s personal chef, music by DJ Stryker, and a live auction including a 2008 smart fortwo car and walk-on roles in TV shows and movies, with all proceeds benefiting Much Love Animal Rescue.
Out in support of our animal friends was the gorgeous Kate Walsh (Private Practice) who, even after being pooped out after an intense red carpet sess, graciously stepped back on to say hi to all you “Razzi’s.” Also attending were Inn Love and Home Sweet Hollywood love-bugs Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott. Sadly Tori recently lost her best friend, Pug Mimi La Rue, but has launched the “Mimi La Rue Foundation,” a non-profit to raise funds to rescue sick and injured pets in shelters.
Ravishing in red was Girls Next Door and “PETA” pin-up Holly Madison who gave us a fab pirate impression whilst sporting one of the Mansion’s cockatiels, Cloe, on her shoulder. Antonio Sabato Jnr, Grant Show, Sheri Stringfield, Paula Abdul, Gary Shandling, and Joy Lauren were also in attendance, and to cap off the event, the big dog himself, Hef, made a surprise appearance.
All in all, and in true Playboy style, it was a swinging event. Between the Much Love spokes-dogs, girls in full bunny regalia, and naked painted lady all mingling with the stars on the red carpet, it was exactly what you’d expect of a party chez Hef. But beneath all the excitement the message was passionate and clear. Let’s get to work on decreasing the number of pound pups and kitties needlessly euthanized in shelters each year, and put puppy mills out of business.
Check out some additional photos of celebrities and pups by clicking here…
Britney Spears hasn’t been making many appearances lately, unless you count the ones in court rooms, but last night the former teen idol stepped out of the shadow of chaos and into the light of a good cause.
