Politicos Honored By Pups At '13 Fashion For Paws Runway Show; Annual WHS Program Raises $~700k

PENN QUARTER -- More than 70 Washington notables and their dogs modeled the season's hottest styles by the retailers of Tysons Galleria on Saturday night, during the 7th Annual Fashion for Paws Runway Show at the National Building Museum.

E! News Now anchor and E! News correspondent Ashlan Gorse returned to host one of the city's most eagerly-anticipated events, the proceeds of which benefit the Washington Humane Society. More than 1,700 guests attended the event, which raised nearly $700,000.

Special guests Congressman Jim Moran (D-Virginia) and Congressman John Campbell (R-California) were on-hand to receive the 2013 Humane Hero Award, which recognizes individuals who have displayed a passion for animal welfare.

Human models each raised at least $5,000 to secure coveted spots alongside the District's most stylish canines dressed by Wagtime.

Syzygy Events International's sleek and fresh design reinvented the space and the round runway provided ample room for two- and four-legged models to sit, stay and pose. Pup participants - adorned in styles from tutus to tuxes - worked the crowd, giving out kisses, showing off tricks and even grabbing a little kibble from the edge of the stage.

Before the models hit the stage, Top Dog sponsor Audi premiered the event program video, showcasing the vital work of the WHS Humane Education program, implemented in DC public schools to aid at-risk youth.

The Humane Education program seeks to stymie rampant cycles of violence that plague many local communities by empowering students to improve the world through compassionate choices.

Sponsors Syzygy, Design Cuisine, Atmosphere and Edge Floral Event Designers donated more than $420,000 in technical, design and culinary amenities that transformed the National Building Museum into blowout runway wonderland.

Tysons Galleria luxury retailers and Toka Salon & Day Spa styled the human models, while Wagtime provided complementary couture for over 65 canine counterparts.

The action shifted from the runway to the dance floor as DJ Seyhan kicked off the post-show party. Georgetown Cupcake, which designed a specialty Fashion for Paws "pupcake" to raise proceeds in the weeks preceding the event, provided sweets for the crowd.

And Republic National Distributing Company kept the bars flowing with specialty Svedka cocktails and Constellation brand wines throughout the evening, with dog breed-themed cocktail options.

WHS volunteers introduced audience members to dogs all looking for forever homes. Two pups were even saved and adopted on site.

Event co-chairs Denise Durgin, Dr. Katy Nelson, Tommy McFLY, Susan Ostrowski, and Charlotte Pineda, joined Master of Ceremonies Pamela Sorensen for the event. Top fundraiser Susan Ostrowski raised $37,000, followed by Melinda Griffith at $24,000 and Dr. Ashley Gallagher at $17,900.

A tail-wagging number, to be sure.