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During the weekend, Lisa Vanderpump not only celebrated but also played the dame’s part in the seventh annual Vanderpump Dogs Gala, which collected money for her animal rescue foundation. The venue for the event was The Maybourne Beverly Hills, which was richly filled with the presence of celebrities, sponsors, and activists, and the night was all nothing but for the dogs and the donation.
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An unforgettable night, was Lisa Vanderpump’s summary of the seventh annual Vanderpump Dogs Gala, and no one could deny that it was the case because of the guest list and the showing of thanks. The event, which was supported by many sponsors including Sunshine Bouquet Co. and Kroger, turned the beautiful Maybourne Beverly Hills into a place where charity and beauty were mingled together. Vanderpump’s Instagram post was like a heartfelt letter of thanks to those who support her foundation and make its work possible.
Mario Lopez was the host of the night, and his hosts were Emma Hunton and CJ Emmons, who performed the music, while the band Verse played in the background. Among the presenters were Lance Bass and Trixie Mattel and the fundraising auctioneer was Merv Fernandez. The post was a virtual list of supporters, starting with photographers like Nikki Ryan and ending with sponsors from Dog Mom Lifestyles to Amazon MGM Studios. The central idea, as always, was to make the world a better place for dogs, through small, paw-sized changes.
The reactions came in like an avalanche of admiration and happiness shared. The official account of Posh Puppy, one of the sponsors, just characterized it as ‘such an amazing night!!’ San Francisco based photographer, Nikki Ryan, who was covering the event, wrote: ‘I always look forward to capturing this event every year! Dogs are the best!!!’ Another attendee, Eddie Valentín, in a very personal way, thanked the organizers: ‘I had a wonderful time at the gala last night, thank you very much for your help with the dogs’ and he continued.
Some of the comments were so heartfelt that actually, they were not about the event, but about the legacy of Vanderpump. One user with an extensive post saluted ‘unfaltering promise to save precious fur babies’ of the animal rescue and highlighted the organization’s fast assistance to pets that suffered from the fire incidents. ‘You reached extraordinary and the lives you have saved will continue to be blessed for many years,’ was part of their message.
A few comments, similar to others, sometimes turned to more personal and direct issues, thus, they added a hint of reality that was not scripted into the glamorous event. One user, in a very extravagant manner of expressing his opinion, while complimenting Vanderpump’s looks, said: ‘It is unbelievable that you become more beautiful with every public appearance’. Another person simply chimed in with a single line: ‘Queen Lisa… The day isn’t bright enough without your sparkle, wit and heart.’
However, not everyone shares the same view when it comes to celebrity personalities. One comment from a person who was very much in love with the cause but at the same time suggested a political edit of the future guest lists went like this: ‘I love that you do this and much more for our furry friends. PS. Perhaps take off MAGA Mario Lopez from the guest list for the next events!’ Another person was more explicit when criticizing previous comments and calling for the exclusion of such guests: ‘DONT INVITE TWO JUDGEY GIRLS COURTNEY TO YOUR EVENTS ANYMORE.’
Although dissenting remarks could be found amidst the great display of support, they were only that, outliers. Nonetheless, they do illustrate the complicated social dynamics that public figures face at charity events. Still, the prevailing mood was best expressed by sponsor Merv Fernandez, who said that it was ‘an honor to participate in such a wonderful cause.’
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For Lisa Vanderpump, the gala is the culmination of a year’s worth of efforts and the power for the coming year. It is where the elite and the heartfelt mission meet, and the goal is always clear: saving lives and sharing love. The seventh edition seems to have been successful in that, gathering a community that is ready to support the next chapter of her foundation’s journey. Her busy schedule, including her nonstop schedule, keeps her in the public eye. Fans are also anticipating the return of Stassi Schroeder to Vanderpump Villa. However, not all her projects are without controversy, as her new show has faced some backlash. On a lighter note, she once humorously fell for a tall man named Google at Blue Hills Ranch.