Huey and Bill to Play at Animal Rescue Foundation Benefit
Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation
Special to HLN Today
This premier event will begin at 7 pm on January 31, 2001 at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix. Hosted by ARF founder Tony La Russa, ticketholders will enjoy a "stellar" evening of entertainment by major recording artists.
This star-studded gala variety show will include performances by nationally known artists such as Wynonna, Huey Lewis, Bruce Hornsby and J.T. Taylor, former lead singer of Kool and the Gang. The performers will be backed by an all-star band headlined by John McFee and Marc Russo of the Doobie Brothers and Steve George, keyboardist for Jewel. (Editor's note: Huey and Bill will be there. Some of the rest of the band may also play.)
Noted Saturday Night Live comedian, Kevin Nealon, along with renowned Broadway star Rich Hebert (Les Miserables, Sunset Boulevard, Saturday Night Fever) and comedian Elayne Boosler will also be performing. Also appearing in support of ARF will be several local and national athletes and celebrities such as Ryne Sandberg (retired Second Baseman, Chicago Cubs), Hall of Famer Robin Yount (retired Milwaukee Brewers), Todd Stottlemyre (Pitcher, Arizona Diamondbacks), Tony Womack (OF/IF, Arizona Diamondbacks), Scott Player (Punter, Arizona Cardinals), Jeremy Roenick (Center, Phoenix Coyotes), Bob Brenly (Manager, Arizona Diamondbacks), Joe Garagiola Sr. (retired baseball player) and Joe Garagiola Jr. (Vice President And General Manager, Arizona Diamondbacks) as well as many others.
Homeless dogs and cats will be available for adoption during the night of the event. Maricopa County Animal Care and Control's new Scratch N Sniff Petmobile will be parked on site at the Civic Plaza, featuring lovable pets needing good homes. Adoptions and viewing are available between 3pm and 11pm thie night of the show. People are also encouraged to donate washable dog toys, blankets, towels, and dog food. On-site donations will also be accepted at the Petmobile between 3pm and 11pm.
Funds raised for the first annual Stars to the Rescue event will assist ARF-Phoenix's mission of ensuring the humane treatment of companion animals and bringing people and animals together fo enrich each other's lives. Homeward Bound, a transitional housing program for abused women and children, will benefit from these funds, providing animal assisted activities to help children and teens. A unique component of ARF is the recognition that animals have a magical effect on people with special circumstances. In addition, ARF assists local no-kill shelters as well as other animal-people connect programs. Proceeds will also assist PAWS (Pets are Wonderful Support) an organization that assists those suffering from AIDS and HIV to keep and care for their animals.
