Feb. 13, 2020

Dine With Your Dog

Debbie and Bryce Sherman with Ruby; Lee Courtney with Portia and Ferrari, Jan D’Atri and Kimberly Jacobsen; Jackie, Bruce, Marigold and Brady Griffin

The annual Dine With Your Dog brunch on Feb. 8 at Monterra at WestWorld raised $131,000, and an additional contribution by a generous donor raised the total to more than $168,000. All proceeds benefit PetSmart Charities Paws Can Heal Animal-Assisted Therapy program at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Canine cuisine for the brunch was prepared by Phoenix Children’s own Chef Spiro Andreopoulos, a seasoned chef with international experience. Human companions enjoyed a sweet and savory brunch courtesy of M Catering at Monterra, plus mimosas and Tito’s Handmade Vodka Bloody Marys. Guests had an opportunity to explore pet play areas, stroll in front of the “pup-arazzi,” chat with fellow dog lovers and bid on silent auction items.

Local TV anchor, radio host, producer and columnist Jan D’Atri served as emcee for the program along with event co-chairs Lee Courtney and Kimberly Jacobsen. D’Atri brought her own special energy and enthusiasm to the role as the owner of 26 farm animals.

The program included storytelling around the impact of Animal-Assisted Therapy, and Bryce and Debbie Sherman received the Dine With Your Dog Ambassador Award. Their son, Kameron, passed away in 2019 after a battle with cancer. Because Kameron enjoyed his time with the dog therapy teams, they launched a foundation to honor his memory, benefitting Animal-Assisted Therapy Teams.

Alta Vista Veterinary Hospital, Penguin Air and Raising Cane’s sponsored the brunch.

PHOTOS COURTESY PHOENIX CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION