Dozens of attendees gathered for the 2020 Hamptons Barking Beauty Pageant, which raised money for local animal welfare nonprofits at Glovers Lane Park in Westhampton Beach on Aug. 9.
The annual pet fashion, talent, and rescue extravaganza raised more than $1,500 for RSVP Animal Welfare and Rescue Group of Eastport and the WHB PAC Arts Academy of Westhampton. Founded in 2006, the Barking Beauty Pageant is the original beauty pageant event for dogs, and has held events in New York City, Philadelphia, and New Jersey, earning thousand for its affiliated local charities over the years.
“This was the most exciting event we’ve held so far, considering all the COVID challenges,” said Leslie Kennedy, veteran pageant winner and emcee, and former star of NYCTV25’s Doggie Moms who created and hosted the event. “The contestants really went all out with not only crazy costumes for their pups, but also for themselves, and it seemed like everyone in the audience brought their furbabies to the festivities too. I’m so proud of all of our contestants and so thankful to all our sponsors and everyone who came – it was truly a group effort.”
Ten dogs competed in Photogenic, Activewear, Glamourwear, and Talent categories for the 3rd Annual Hamptons Barking Beauty Pageant title, and were awarded sashes, medals, gifts, a crown and the cover of a 2021 calendar for the winner, a little MaltiPoo from New York City named ZZ.
“Thanks to the 2020 Hamptons Barking Beauty Pageant we think we’ve found a new home for Madison!” Lillian Lennon, president of RSVP, Inc., said of a Frenchie/Pit mix who represented RSVP Rescues as a contestant in Sunday’s pageant.
Julienne Pennza, executive director of the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, was a judge for the pageant.
“I had so much fun,” she said. “And I’m so happy that Leslie is honoring us with another scholarship for one of our students again this year.”
For more information visit BarkingBeautyPageant.org
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