An Enhancing Evening Sets New Records For PAWS

Jewish Connection News

Jun 4, 2025

PAWS Whispers Of Enchantment: A Night In The Hidden Garden Gala, Presented By Spirit Airlines, Took Place On April 26th At The Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. Chairwomen Dawn Dellapina And Danielle Gaudreau, Along With Their Hard-Working Committee, Were Thrilled To Announce That The Magical Evening Netted A Record-Breaking $420,000 For The Humane Society Of Broward County’s Life-Saving Programs And Services.

Champagne awaited the arriving guests, who then stopped for a keepsake photo at the elegantly designed step & repeat. Music by an electric violinist added to the magical atmosphere. The cocktail hour offered Tito’s Handmade Vodka specialty cocktails, delectable appetizers, and an incredible silent auction. Beautifully decorated and nestled among lush garden-inspired decor, the silent auction also broke a Gala record with more than $73,000 raised.

Adding sparkle to the night was the dazzling prize drawing. Melissa Rocker was the lucky winner of an exquisite pair of one-of-a-kind oval blue zircon and diamond earrings by 23-time award-winning designer Robert Pelliccia and generously donated by J.R. Dunn Jewelers.

Upon being welcomed into the enchanted mist-filled ballroom, attendees were greeted with lively tunes from the band Private Stock. There was also a lovely performance by American Heritage School’s Acapella Singers.

Jacey Birch, the honorary emcee, guided the evening’s festivities, which included a delicious dinner and a thrilling live auction led by auctioneer Whitney Dutton. Gala guests were feeling generous, as this auction also set a new record with $104,000 raised!

No enchanted evening would be complete without a four-legged fairy tale—and this one belonged to Godiva, a lovable English Bulldog whose story touched every guest in the room. Godiva had been left at the shelter because she could no longer be used for breeding, but she found her happily-ever-after in a loving forever home. Inspired by Godiva’s story and after learning more about the shelter’s programs and services, guests took part in the Give from the Heart auction where bid paddles filled the air. Over $71,000 was raised – another milestone moment!

The celebration of an enchanted success carried on throughout the evening, with guests dancing well into the night.

PAWS would like to thank all of our wonderful supporters. Generous sponsors include: Spirit Airlines, Cathie & Brad Banta, Edison Insurance Company - Allison & Clint Strauch, Christy & Andy Gumberg, Michelle & Donald Sussman, Christine & Austin Forman and Friends (Margaret & Mike Meldeau, Helena Kolenda & Dr. Rick Bruns, Liz & Gary Brown, Bonnie Barnett & Dr. Bob Kagan, Jonelle Lees & Jim Degnan), Barnes Preston Global CPAs P.A., Dawn & Peter Dellapina, Danielle & Pierre Gaudreau (The Pretty Nomad, The Vintage Nomad, Salon Bark, and Game Changer), Moss Foundation, Justine & Michael Whiteside, Sheryl Maher & Blaine Phillips, PAWty People (Sharon Florescue, Marci & Ron Holzer, Carmen & Peter Hotchkiss, Elaine & Charles Kahn, Julie Strauch), American Heritage Schools, AssuredPartners, Francis Maus, Schwartzreich & Associates, P.A., Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Luisa & Michael Cook, Whitney Dutton & Family, Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgery - Dr. Lisa Learn, Summer’s Animal Hospital & House Call Practice, Tripp Scott, Friends of PAWS (Shari Hall & Julie Jones), Glitterati (Natalie Feanny, Melissa Hoff, Pascale Lemke), Enchanted Furry Friends (Giuliana Hirshson & Todd Pelletier, Cathy & Jim Callard, Barbie Doutre, Kimberly & Jose Ruggero, Sandy Rupp), Fetch Pet Insurance, Purina & Tidy Cats, VCA Animal Hospitals.

Thank you to our underwriters: Flo & Rick Celender, Citrin Cooperman, Terri & Marty Cole, Dawn & Peter Dellapina, Penny England, Sharon Florescue, Christine & Austin Forman, Tara & Miles Forman, Nicole & Jeffrey Fratarcangeli, Danielle & Pierre Gaudreau, Barbara Grevior, Christy & Andy Gumberg, Jewelz Entertainment - Julie & Ed Wiegand, Darlene & Dennis Jordan, Las Olas Boulevard & Isles Magazine, Lifestyle Media Group, Margaret & Mike Meldeau, Bonnie Mitten, Ingrid & Brian Poulin, Private Stock, Rita & Rick Case Automotive Group, Schwartzreich & Associates, P.A., Studio C Flowers & Events, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Turf Doctor, Venice Magazine, Nancy Westin, and Justine & Michael Whiteside.

Appreciation is also extended to those who purchased an ad in the Gala magazine, and businesses and individuals who kindly donated auction items.