Battersea Dogs Take Centre Stage at Star-Studded Charity Gala Event

Paul O'Grady & Amanda Holden at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Collars & Coats Gala Ball 2013

The world-famous event was hosted by Battersea Ambassadors and TV favourites Amanda Holden and Paul O’Grady MBE and was presided over by royalty His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent GCVO and Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent.

 Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Collars & Coats Gala Ball 2013
Claire Horton, HRH Prince & Princess Michael of Kent

A host of celebrities from stage, screen, sport, fiction and fashion sashayed down the red carpet for the fifth annual Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Collars & Coats Gala Ball 2013 on Thursday, 7th November at Battersea Evolution in London.

Gary and Danielle Lineker with Bill and Sammy at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Collars & Coats Gala Ball 2013
Gary and Danielle Lineker

The star-studded charity bash welcomed renowned personalities through its famous doors, with Battersea Ambassador and international supermodel David Gandy, popular author Dame Jacqueline Wilson OBE, football legend Gary Lineker with his wife Danielle and dance aficionados Craig Revel Horwood and Arlene Philips, all walking the red carpet in support of London’s premier charity event in support of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s work to rescue and rehome abandoned dogs and cats. Also in attendance was American music icon Jocelyn Brown. Adding the cute factor was doggy star Pudsey, who was accompanied by his owner Ashleigh Butler.

David Gandy at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Collars & Coats Gala Ball 2013
David Gandy

Guests on the red carpet were welcomed by the legendary and unique Battersea dog ‘guard of honour’, as around 50 of the charity’s dogs in need of new homes lined the way.

The Hollywood themed Collars and Coats Ball included a world-class entertainment, showcasing a performance from internationally acclaimed soul diva Jocelyn Brown and The Rat Pack, complete with a 18 piece band and showgirls.

Those participating in the auction had the chance to win a walk in the park with Jeremy Irons, David Gandy or singer Mollie King.Other auction treats include tickets to the premier of Godfather of Hollywood, bespoke products and a tour of where James Bond’s Aston Martin is manufactured.

Battersea Chief Executive Claire Horton says …

Our Vintage Hollywood themed Collars & Coats Ball was an unforgettable night, bringing together glitz, glamour, much-loved celebrities and of course the true stars of the show, our very special Battersea dogs, who greeted our guests on the red carpet. Collars & Coats is Battersea’s biggest fundraiser and this year’s spectacular event delivered one of our best shows yet and helped us raise essential funds for the thousands of animals that come through our doors every year

It costs over £18m to run Battersea each year, and with no government funding, the Collars & Coats Gala Ball is all about helping increase awareness of the important work the charity does each and every day of the year to offer a second chance in life to thousands of animals. Last year nearly 9,000 dogs and cats needed Battersea’s care and attention to help find them the best possible new homes.

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