FIRST ANNUAL MIRANDA LAMBERT "CAUSE FOR PAWS" RAISED OVER $100,000 FOR THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF EAST TEXAS

(Tyler, TX - April 25, 2008) -- The First Annual Miranda Lambert "Cause for the Paws" Wine Tasting Festival and Concert benefiting the Humane Society of East Texas held at the Villa di Felicita in Tyler Sunday, April 20th was a huge success.  The event raised approximately $113,000 after expenses for the non-profit organization and will be the major fundraiser for the Humane Society and its animal shelter each year. 

 

"I would like to thank Gayle Helms at the Humane Society of East Texas for inviting me to be a part of the first charity event for the shelter," says Lambert on her website. "Cause for the Paws" was a huge success for so many reasons! Delilah and I felt so honored to be a part of it and a heartfelt thank you goes out those that bought tickets, the sponsors and everyone who contributed in any way to help the abused and abandoned animals of East Texas." 

 

Miranda praises the committee, volunteers, sponsors and food vendors as well as the The Villa di Felicita for what she calls "the most beautiful place ever."   She gives a special thanks to her friends and peers who donated items and to "my friends, Blake Shelton, Adam Hood and Kacey Musgraves for giving of their time with and adding great music.  

 

According to Gayle Helms, Executive Director for the Humane Society of East Texas, the sold-out event far surpassed expectations in terms of attendance and quality of the event itself.  "We have received rave reviews from people in attendance, with many asking "How can you top this next year?" 

 

Activities at Miranda Lambert's First Annual "Cause for the Paws";Wine Tasting Festival included a silent and live auction, food and wine tasting, a Meet and Mingle VIP private cocktail party for sponsors of the event and a concert with the four entertainers.  Miranda's "bus buddy", Delilah, who is a Humane Society of East Texas alumnus, was also on hand.  During the wine tasting, 15 Texas wines were featured including Miranda Lambert's own Red 55 Winery and Kiepersol Estates Vineyard and Winery.  

 

Lambert, an animal lover and Lindale native, chose the Humane Society of East Texas as her charity and has been a supporter for several years.  In 2007, Miranda adopted Delilah, a small white long-haired terrier from the Humane Society. When fans offer gifts to Miranda, she encourages them to make contributions to the Humane Society instead.

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The First Annual Miranda Lambert "Cause for the Paws" Wine Tasting Festival and Concert would like to thank the following for their support and assistance in this endeavor.

 

Sponsors

Dobbs & Tittle, Attorneys at Law

David and Jane Fender                                       

Hossley & Embry

Tyler Veterinary  Center

Noah's Pet Sitters

American Classified

Del Monte Pet & Brookshire Grocery Company

Mars Pet & Brookshire Grocery Company

Southside Bank

 

Partners

CBS 19

East Texas Radio Group

Villa di Felicita

KE Cellars

Kiepersol Estates Vineyard & Winery

 

Donors

AraMark

Chris James Design

Ozarka Water

Mprint

Texas Department of Agriculture

La Tee Da Florist of Tyler

Ben E. Keith

Great American Cookies--Bryan & Sarah Selden

Susan Robinson Jewelry

 

Wineries

Red 55  -  KE Cellars

Kiepersol Estates Vineyard & Winery

Chisholm Trail   -  Fall Creek

Llano

Food Vendors

Fat Catz  -  Villa Montez

Yahooz  - The Diner

Chef Ryan Page & Villa Di Felicita  

 

Thank you for your Support

Lisa Spooner, CBS 19, Mistress of Ceremonies

Sheriff J. B. Smith, Auctioneer

TMFHS Champion EMS

Sherry Rose

Last, but not least - the many dedicated volunteers for the event.