Phoenix attorney Andrea Marconi and executive Katherine Kemmeries Cecala have enjoyed their fair share of black-tie events over the years. The high fashion, four-star meals and cherished memories are staples that make for a unique, treasured experience each and every time.
But only one event has brought the pair new, loving family members.
Two years ago, Marconi attended the Arizona Humane Society’s annual Compassion with Fashion fundraiser, and wound up going home with a newly adopted Boxer, Maggie May. Last year, Marconi returned to Compassion with Fashion, and this time, Madison, a Golden Retriever, joined Marconi’s family. Meanwhile, Cecala couldn’t resist adopting Bianca, a Standard Poodle at the event.
It’s fitting that Marconi, a member of the Arizona Humane Society Board of Directors, and Cecala, a longtime AHS supporter and the Chief Operating Officer for Valley of the Sun United Way, are now teaming up to help the thousands of pets whose lives AHS saves each year by co-chairing this year’s 16th annual Compassion with Fashion: Pets Make Life Sweet luncheon and fashion show.
“You have over 1,000 of the most compassionate pet lovers in the Valley coming together to support animals who can’t speak for themselves and who need our help,” Marconi said of Compassion with Fashion, which was voted Best Annual Charity Event by the readers of Arizona Foothills Magazine in 2011 and 2012. “What makes this event so fun and different from most black-tie affairs, is that this is an event you can bring your family to, meet animals and bring those animals home.”
Compassion with Fashion: Pets Make Life Sweet will take place March 29th at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa. The sweet-themed event will include a delectable seated luncheon, a candy-coated silent auction and a sugar-rush of a fashion show featuring adorable AHS dogs and cats who will all be available for adoption at the event.
Individual tickets can be purchased for $165, or you can bring your pet-loving pals for tables of 10, which start at $1,650. Proceeds from the event will help support AHS’ lifesaving programs and services, including its Emergency Animal Medical Technician™ ambulance unit, Second Chance Animal Hospital™ trauma center, spay/neuter initiatives, low-cost veterinary and wellness services and humane education programs.
“Animals are so important in our lives. They’re so vulnerable and they rely on us to take care of them,” Cecala said. “I love what the Arizona Humane Society is doing. They’re finding forever homes for animals, and their spay/neuter programs are so important with the pet overpopulation crisis here in the Valley.”
“I’ve always been a supporter of all animal rescue organizations, but I have a special affinity for the Arizona Humane Society because of its open-intake nature,” Marconi said of AHS, which takes in all pets regardless of breed, age or medical condition. “This is an organization that helps hurt and injured animals with nowhere else to go. And without AHS, I fear what would happen to these animals, and I fear it wouldn’t be good. I have two animals that came through AHS’ Second Chance Animal Hospital, and I know without AHS, I wouldn’t have these two amazing members of my family.”
Join the Arizona Humane Society for an event that’s sure to take the cake. Help make life sweet for a pet in need! To purchase tickets or for more information, visit azhumane.org/cwf.
