The red carpet was rolled out in style with lights, cameras and stars at the 15th annual Lint Roller Party to benefit Best Friends' work in Los Angeles.
It was a night to remember at the newly renovated Hollywood Palladium, which has hosted the biggest names in show business, from big bands to rock 'n' roll.
But this night was all for Los Angeles-area animals. Walking the red carpet, many with their dogs in tow, were film star Rene Russo, comic actor Arte Johnson of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In lore, TV star Robert Culp, Without a Trace's Linda Hunt, and M*A*S*H 's Loretta Swit.
Long-time Best Friends supporter Lisa Edelstein, from the hit TV series House and veteran actress Cloris Leachman, most recently known for her performance on Dancing with the Stars, helped Best Friends co-founder Francis Battista emcee a silent auction of donated collector memorabilia.
Also at the November 13 soiree were Jodie Sweetin, a former child star on Full House, Emmy Rossum, who starred in Poseidon, The O.C.’s Autumn Reeser, How I Met Your Mother star Alyson Hannigan and her husband, actor Alexis Denisof, and Cold Case star Thom Barry.
About 700 attendees, including prominent leaders in the animal welfare movement, were served a vegetarian gourmet meal provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering.
Then Country Music Hall of Famer Emmylou Harris took to the stage for a live performance. "I’m so proud to be here," Emmylou said halfway through her set. "This is as close as I’ve gotten to the [Best Friends] sanctuary. It’s going to be my next vacation. I’m going to scoop up cat boxes."
Enjoying the music and the night was Randy Grim, founder of Stray Rescue of St. Louis and a longtime Best Friends partner. His organization was handed the Chrissie's Fund grant from actor Eric Roberts. Winning a trip to the Lint Roller Party for their video submission in the Puppy-Store-Free USA contest were Angie and Chad Nokolaus of Wisconsin.
Receiving the Mini and Piffi award was Nancy Smith, who was described as "a local hero" for getting cats out of shelters who wouldn’t have otherwise gotten homes and for taking care of sick and homeless cats in some of the toughest neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
The Jillian Barbarie award went to Molly's Mutts and Meows for helping make Los Angeles a No More Homeless Pets community. "We will put this money to good use to save dogs and cats in shelters," said Molly Wooten as she accepted the cash award.
It's people like Randy, Molly and other leaders in the movement who make saving so many animals possible, said Best Friends' chief executive officer Paul Berry.
"This evening is all about inspiring leaders," he said. "It's leaders like them that keep us going. We couldn’t do it without them."
The awards presentation was Paul's second-favorite part of the evening. His first? "Emmylou Harris’ performance,” he said.
See some of the stars.
Written by Cathy Scott
Photos by Andy Sheng
The work of Best Friends is possible only because of your generous support. Please help us reach our goal of No More Homeless Pets.
