On Saturday, May 1, at Spot On Veterinary Hospital & Hotel in Stamford, C.T., a pet fashion, talent, and rescue extravaganza gathered more than 40 attendees for the 2021 Greenwich Barking Beauty Pageant and raised more than $1,200 for The Sandy Fund and the Greenwich Scholarship Association.
Founded in 2006, the Barking Beauty Pageant is the original beauty pageant event for dogs and has held events in New York City, Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Denver, earning thousand for its affiliated local charities over the years.
Seven dogs competed in Photogenic, Activewear, Glamourwear, and Talent for the Inaugural Greenwich Barking Beauty Pageant title, and were awarded sashes, medals, gifts, a crown, and the cover of a 2022 calendar for the winner, a little pug from Maryland named Bob.
Leslie Kennedy, veteran pageant winner, emcee, and former star of NYCTV25’s Doggie Moms, created and hosted the event.
“This was the most exciting event we’ve held so far considering all the Covid challenges,” she said. “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 – all of us working together to benefit animals and students,” she added.
“Thanks to the 2021 Greenwich Barking Beauty Pageant, we think we’ll be able to take care of more animals whose parents can’t afford all the care they need through The Sandy Fund,” said Kaeley Blum, of Spot On Veterinary Hospital & Hotel, and The Sandy Fund.
“I’m so glad I was able to convince Leslie to bring the pageant to the Greenwich area,” said Cheryl Farley, co-director of the Greenwich Pageant and founder and lead broker for House of Maxx Real Estate. “This is such a dog-friendly area, it can’t help but continue to grow, and I love giving back to my community!”
For more information and media requests about the 2021 Greenwich Barking Beauty Pageant, please contact Leslie Kennedy of Kennedy Art Productions, by calling 917-797-4331or email Leslie at BarkingBeautyPageant@gmail.com. The official website is BarkingBeautyPageant.org.
-Barking Beauty Pageant
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