RAISE THE RUFF GENERATES OVER $400,000 FOR PEPPER’S SENIOR DOG SANCTUARY WITH OVER 400 ATTENDEES

Rick Springfield performs for 90 minutes at benefit concert

(Photo Credit: link to Lightbox Images)

DENVER, Sept. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Raise the Ruff, a benefit for Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary (PSDS), occurred on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Mission Ballroom in Denver. The event welcomed over 400 gala attendees and raised more than $400,000. 9NEWS host, anchor, reporter, and board member at PSDS, Erica Lopez, hosted the event, which featured entertainer Rick Springfield, who played an unforgettable 90-minute concert.

Attendees enjoyed a cocktail and appetizer hour, photo opportunities with senior dogs, and a silent auction before being seated for dinner. Auction items included signed guitars from Rick Springfield, handmade art from the Firefly Autism Group, and high-end luxury baskets containing everything from golf rounds, hotel stays, ski tickets, restaurant gift cards, and fun items for movie and game nights, pool parties, and toys for your furry friends. First Gentleman Marlon Reis, passionate about animal welfare advocacy, spoke during the cocktail hour and offered to host a fundraiser for PSDS at the Governor’s Mansion.

During the special appeal, attendees raised their paddles to make donations ranging from $100 to $10,000. Auctioneer Halie Behr highlighted what that dollar amount could do at each donation tier for a dog at PSDS. For example, a $100 donation funds the average prescription diet per dog per month, and $250 covers the average monthly cost of medication required to treat chronic conditions and improve a dog’s quality of life. Job readiness programs like Paws to Profession, Pawsite Pathways, and the Interactive Practicum for Wellsprings Community Dog Training Course cost $500 per week. Halie highlighted some of the residents at PSDS and their medical costs, ranging from $9,000 up to $20,000 just this year, depending on the dog. 

PSDS Founder Mary Leprino said, “I am overwhelmed by all the support from this wonderful community, our dedicated staff, and volunteers who made this evening so impactful for our senior dogs. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

To close the night, Rick Springfield took the stage for 90 minutes, kicking off the concert with classics, I’ll Make You Happy, Affair of the Heart, I’ve Done Everything for You, and Kristina. He also played songs from his new album, Automatic, including its title track and his not-yet-released song, Lose Myself. After a concert of throwing roses and guitar picks into the crowd, Springfield closed the night by jumping off stage and dancing on tables during his signature hit, Jessie’s Girl.

For more information about the event, visit https://psds.org/events

For general questions, please contact [email protected]

About Pepper‘s Senior Dog Sanctuary

Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit that started in 2020 and opened its doors in 2023. Their mission is to provide a compassionate, loving, lifelong home where elderly dogs are cared for during their good days, bad days, and last days. Located on a veterinarian-supervised, 50-acre ranch in Roxborough Park, just outside of Denver, Colorado. PDSD is a leading “dog retirement community” for canines to live and be cared for until the last day of their lives. PSDS only adopts dogs from area shelters and rescues to help ease overcrowding. Amenities and enrichments include small group and one-on-one care; enormous spaces to play, lounge, and sleep; individual bedroom suites; professionally trained staff and volunteers; and dedicated physical therapy, holistic, and medical care.

CONTACT:
Bradley Joseph, Silver Spur Marketing
[email protected]
(M) 720-314-1572

SOURCE Pepper’s Senior Dog Sanctuary