PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Celebrities and canines took center stage at The Mar-a-Lago Club as actress and animal advocate Katherine Heigl and “Dog Whisperer” Ceasar Millan joined a high-profile fundraiser for rescue dogs.
The Wine, Women & Shoes event returned to Palm Beach this weekend, drawing about 800 guests each day in support of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, the nation’s largest cage-free, no-kill dog rescue.
Organizers say the two-day event has a $5 million fundraising goal, with proceeds supporting rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption efforts.
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Founded in 2008 by Lauree Simmons, Big Dog Ranch Rescue has saved the lives of more than 85,000 dogs by rescuing animals from high-kill shelters, rehabilitating them, and placing them with adoptive families. The organization also promotes responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering.
Lara Trump serves as the event’s honorary chair. Heigl is scheduled to attend Sunday’s festivities alongside Millan, the internationally known dog trainer often called the “Dog Whisperer.”
Highlights include a “Doggie Fashion Show” featuring 12 rescue dogs, as well as a live auction and other fundraising activities.
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Organizers say the nonprofit has grown from a local lifesaving mission into a global voice for animal welfare, advocating for dogs in need across communities and borders.