Bocker the Labradoodle SpokesDog for Dogs In Party Hats Invites His Friends to Enter This Year's Contest

[Marie Shelto]

Beginning with International Guide Dog Day on April 28th of this year, dog owners across the country can “unleash” their imaginations in a whimsical contest called “Dogs in Party Hats” that doubles as a fundraiser for the internationally accredited nonprofit guide dog school Guiding Eyes for the Blind, headquartered in Yorktown Heights. The event, now in its second year, represents a unique and innovative partnership between a small business – contest creator and sponsor Via Vanti! Restaurant & Gelateria of Mount Kisco, NY – and a charitable organization.

The kickoff party for this year’s Dogs in Party Hats contest will take place at Via Vanti! (located in the historic Mount Kisco, NY train station building) on Saturday, April 24th from 3 to 5 PM. At this all family event, attendees can pet Guiding Eyes guide-dogs-in-training, enjoy unlimited tastes of gelato, meet some of last year’s contest winners including Dogs in Party Hats “Spokesdog” me, Bocker the Labradoodle. Of course I'll be giving out pawtographs! Glad to hear that my gelato flavor "Bocker's Labradoodlicious Swirl" is a best seller! It is truly YUMMY!

In the Dogs in Party Hats contest, dog owners are challenged to think up a flavor name of gelato (Italy’s renowned version of ice cream) suggested by the appearance and personality of their canine friend when attired in a party hat or other fun doggie garb. Contest entrants then submit their dog’s “flavor name”, an uploaded photograph of their dog in costume, and a $20 entry fee to www.dogsinpartyhats.com. (The contest entry fee goes in its entirety to Guiding Eyes for the Blind as a donation.) An independent panel of judges ultimately selects twelve winners, each receiving the high honor of having a gelato flavor-of-the-month for the coming year created in their honor, a festive “party dog gift pack,” and certificates good for year of gelato at Via Vanti! Entry period for the 2010 contest runs from April 28th to November 10th. Expect all my doodle friends to enter!!!! It's fun.

Winning entries and runners-up in last year’s contest can be viewed at the official website (http://www.dogsinpartyhats.com). Framed photographs of the twelve winners can also be seen on a “Party Dog Wall of Fame” at Via Vanti! (2 Kirby Plaza, Mount Kisco, NY 10549). More info at: http://www.bocker.tv/DogsInPartyHats.htm

“Guiding Eyes for the Blind is a serious enterprise, one that’s about bringing greater hope and freedom to the lives of blind and visually impaired people. But all dogs – whether they be service dogs or pets – bring much joy to their owners, so we see this upbeat initiative as a wonderful fit,” says Lisa Deutsch, Vice President, Marketing and Development at Guiding Eyes.

The Dogs in Party Hats contest and fundraiser was conceived by Carla Gambescia, founder and owner of Via Vanti! “This contest is all about creativity, community and fun,” says Ms Gambescia. “I hope it’s something that parents and kids and even schools will get involved with this year. There’s still a place for imagination and lightness and frivolity in the world, especially when it helps out a cause like Guiding Eyes.”
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[Yvonne N]

Sounds like fun Bocker. Thanks for thinking of us!

[Marie Shelto]

Great contest and for a good cause...after April 28 join in..Our doodles are so cute why not!! Go to http://www.dogsinpartyhats.com to enter the contest after National Guide Dog Day. Bocker's photo in his party hat won for April this year and his Labradoodlicious Swirl gelato ice cream is a huge seller!!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Cute contest!