Fashion, philanthropy and furry friends take over Mar-a-Lago for dog fundraiser

The Wine, Women & Shoes fundraiser at The Mar-a-Lago Club drew about 800 guests a day to support Big Dog Ranch Rescue and featured a dog fashion show; organizers reported a $5 million fundraising goal.

Celebrities and canines were the focus at The Mar-a-Lago Club this weekend as the Wine, Women & Shoes event returned to Palm Beach. The two-day fundraiser was held in support of Big Dog Ranch Rescue and was reported to have drawn about 800 guests each day. Organizers said the event carried a $5 million fundraising goal and included public activities such as a dog fashion show and a live auction. Big Dog Ranch Rescue is described as a cage-free, no-kill organization that was founded in 2008. Event highlights: - The fundraiser was a two-day Wine, Women & Shoes event held at The Mar-a-Lago Club. - Organizers reported roughly 800 guests attended each day and set a $5 million fundraising goal. - The event’s proceeds were reported to support rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption programs run by Big Dog Ranch Rescue. - Big Dog Ranch Rescue was founded in 2008 by Lauree Simmons and is described as the nation’s largest cage-free, no-kill dog rescue, with more than 85,000 dogs saved reported. - The weekend’s program included a "Doggie Fashion Show" featuring 12 rescue dogs, a live auction, and other fundraising activities. Summary: Organizers framed the weekend as a blend of fashion, philanthropy, and animal advocacy intended to raise funds and awareness for a large cage-free rescue organization. Whether the $5 million goal was reached was undetermined at this time.