Ft. Lauderdale socialites Huey and Vi Vanek, known all over the country for the lavishing parties thrown for their late feline princess "Cherry Pop", hosted a festive Christmas and "coming out" party for their magnificent Red Mackerel Persian cat, "Baby Huey", on December 7th, 1997. "Baby Huey" who is a Grand Premier Champion had his second birthday on December 4th. About 75 guests boarded the chartered yacht "Kathleen W" at the Bahia Yacht Marina in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for a formal four hour dinner cruise and auction along the Intercoastal waterway. Proceeds from the auction and donations went to the Humane Society of Broward County to help benefit pets less fortunate than Baby Huey.

The evening started with hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and a delicious buffet dinner. A film crew from Channel 7's Deco Drive interviewed guests and recorded the event for a future feature TV program. There was an elegant fashion show presented by the Star Collection boutique of Ft. Lauderdale showing several of their creations. Next, Chris Agostino, Executive Director of The Humane Society of Broward County, offered commemorative/memorial bricks for sale at 4250 each to be placed in a special walkway around the facility. The auction featured several lovely baskets of gourmet food and wine, plus pieces of art, custom-made articles of clothing, diamond jewelry and several gift certificates. Raffle tickets were also sold for numerous door prices. Everyone seemed to be in generous and festive Christmas moods despite the nippy weather outside.

In between snacks of caviar from a 24K gold bowl, Baby Huey spent most of his evening napping in his green canopied cattery, while most of his guests and admirers certainly envied his posh digs and lifestyle. He had his own personal security guard catering to whatever whims a Champion cat might happen to dream up..."h-m-m, maybe a fox hunt or a tuna fishing tournament, but certainly not chasing ordinary field mice!!" Baby Huey's newest toy was his flashy "cat's meow" miniature yellow Mercedes convertible with a gold lame seat cushion. He certainly looked ready for a spin down Las Olas with the breeze blowing through his fur! Now, all he needs are gold shades to match his exquisite wheels!

Perhaps some people might think it's ostentatious to have a party for a cat, but this is not just any kitty, nor ordinary pet owners. The Vaneks are very special kind-hearted and generous animal lovers, who devote must of their time and money to promoting various pet benefits throughout the whole year. Their previous Persian beauty "Cherry Pop", who died just two years ago, has a special Foundation established in her name to help find needy animal causes. Baby Huey is now their spokesfeline. Most people would cherish and hoard away their most precious possessions, but the Vaneks have chosen to share their wonderful animals and lavish them with gala parties in the hope that their efforts will raise money to benefit other less fortunate pets. In the season hustle, too often we lose sight of the true spirit of giving or limit our generosity only to the Holidays...we certainly need more people like the Vaneks in this world who live the spirit of Christmas on a daily basis!

The Cherry Pop Foundation is a non-profit organization which donates 100% of its funds to help animal causes. People wishing to make donations or reach the foundation can write to 5501 NE 26th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308.