The 5th Annual Hats Off Fashion Show & Luncheon, hosted by CLAW (Critter Lovers At Work), a volunteer fundraising arm of the San Francisco SPCA, was held on June 7th at the plush Postrio restaurant in downtown San Francisco. A sold-out crowd of 160 guests mingled at the fundraiser, which featured fabulous couture, hats, and cuisine, as well as an exciting live auction. The event benefits The SF/SPCA's Cinderella Fund, which provides medical treatment for the shelter's neediest dogs and cats.
We greeted the elegantly attired guests, and thanked them for contributing to the lifesaving work of The SF/SPCA. Special recognition was paid to Jill Kramer, founder and past president of CLAW, and to Nancy Medina and Judy Ranzer, Co-chairs of this year's event. Media personality (KRON TV and KCBS radio), maven of millinery and animal lover extraordinaire, Jan Wahl, was Mistress of Ceremonies.
Over a delectable lunch in Postrio's charming, garden-style setting, the guests, many of whom wore dramatic, wide brimmed hats, were treated to a fashion show emceed by Wahl. Exciting styles from designers Wilkes Bashford and Ted Baker, Famous For Our Look and Posey clothing stores, millinery from The Hat Generation, and jewelry from Escape from Paris by Jacqueline Stone, were featured. Shopping opportunities were also provided by several vendors including babies boutique, which offered World Cup-inspired sweaters for pooches.
Then - hold onto your hats - it was time for the Live Auction conducted by Master Auctioneer Durwood Zedd. Bidding on the five fabulous items was enthusiastic and brisk. A copy of Emily Scott Pottruck's engaging book, "Tails of Devotion", autographed by many of the celebrities whose writings appear on its pages, was sold for a sensational $1,700. The high point came when guests bid on the chance for their dog to become the official mascot of the 2007 Bark & Whine Ball. 
Dulcinea Guajardo honored her German shepherd, Yup, by making the phenomenal winning bid. She later explained that she was trying to change the image of German shepherds held by many in the public and the media, as well as supporting the work of The SF/SPCA. Altogether, the Live Auction alone raised nearly $20,000 for the Cinderella Fund!
The 2006 Hats Off Fashion Show & Luncheon was a feather in CLAW's cap, and we're not talking through our hats!
The 5th Annual Hats Off Fashion Show & Luncheon, hosted by CLAW (Critter Lovers At Work), a volunteer fundraising arm of the San Francisco SPCA, was held on June 7th at the plush Postrio restaurant in downtown San Francisco. A sold-out crowd of 160 guests mingled at the fundraiser, which featured fabulous couture, hats, and cuisine, as well as an exciting live auction. The event benefits The SF/SPCA's Cinderella Fund, which provides medical treatment for the shelter's neediest dogs and cats.