The NorthPark Center elves hardly had time to catch their collective breath from Breakfast with Santa Spectacular benefiting Children’s Medical Center Foundation on Sunday, December 2, when they prepared for the SPCA of Texas‘ Home for the Holidays Housewarming Party that evening. From two legged adorable munchkins to four-legged cuties complete with tails, it was a day of fundraising. Here’s a report from the field:
The warm December weather couldn’t stop 300 plus guests at the SPCA of Texas’ Jingle and Mingle Housewarming Party from donning their tackiest holiday sweaters and getting into the spirit of the season on Sunday, December 2, at NorthPark Center. Clad in cat- and dog-bedecked pullovers and suits, jolly dinosaur Santa hats and festive baubles, SPCA of Texas supporters enjoyed a lighthearted evening while celebrating the 28th annual Home for the Holidays event.
The joyful bunch chatted and enjoyed the laidback ambiance, examining 24 custom-made luxury dog houses and cat condos that were up for silent auction. All while enjoying delightful nibbles, including fresh veggie baguettes, tomato basil and fresh mozzarella skewers and petit focaccia bites with shaved honey ham, and sipping on the signature drink of the evening, Feliz Navidog, which featured Absolut Elyx vodka and fresh rosemary, all from Preston Hollow Catering.

The architectural wonders were built by AIA Dallas and TEXO, The Construction Association members for the annual Bark + Build luxury Dog House/Design Competition. Competition Chair Jordan Ortiz and Chair Emeritus Mary Butler announced the winners, with the Purrrch Cat Condo taking home the Top Dog Award for receiving the most bids in the online auction. It was designed by GFF Architects and constructed by MAPP Construction. Also, Dogometry, designed by JACOBS and constructed by K2 Construction, won the Best in Show Award.

WFAA’s Good Morning Texas Co-Anchor/emcee Alanna Sarabia kicked off the evening thanking everyone for their support of the annual event and informing the audience that since Home for the Holidays started 28 years ago, over 10,000 animals have found their forever homes. She called out SPCA of Texas President/CEO James Bias for having her personal favorite tackiest sweater of the evening, admitting that she herself is allergic to cats, but the sweater was downright adorable.


The Grinch [aka Ken Risser]himself and Cindy Lou Who [aka Heather Nelson]even made an appearance at the Housewarming party. In a very un-Grinch-like fashion, he even agreed to pose for a couple pictures with the ecstatic animal lovers.
Sincere thanks to NorthPark Center for hosting the Home for the Holidays Bark + Build competition and Adoption Pavilion. The SPCA of Texas’ Home for the Holidays event supports the SPCA of Texas’ mission to provide every animal with exceptional care and a loving home. The event comes to a close on December 23rd, when the Adoption Pavilion run ends.
The SPCA of Texas sincerely thanks special donors, Bark + Build Lane Sponsor: Joan and Dr. Larry Rogers; Bark + Build Competition Sponsor: Blackson Brick Company; Companion Courtyard Sponsor: Hill’s Pet Nutrition; and Event Sponsors: North Texas Cheddarheads, Absolut Elyx, Cash Store, Guaranty Bank & Trust, Sandi and Ron Haddock, Fearing’s Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Katy Trail Animal Hospital and Activ4pets.
Guests included: Russell E. Dealey, Carolyn and David Kubes, Joan and Dr. Larry Rogers, Steve Atkinson and Ted Kincaid, Brent Lemmon, Lana and John Payne, Marsha Pendleton-Gray and Dr. Richard Gray, Mary Spencer, Kelly and John Murrell, Phyllis Meyerson and Mike Merritt.
* Photo credit: Thomas Garza Photography