Chris Agostino, and Arnold Grevior President of the Humane Society of Broward County, joined Huey and Vi Vanek as they cut the ribbon to the new facility.

M.A.S.H members (L to R) Toni Brown, Suzanne Stuart, and Sally Matluck, were among the many guests.

Huey and Vi Vanek were the proud owners of Cherry Pop, a red Persian female. When her life sadly came to an end, the Vaneks vowed to continue helping animals.

At a recent party, the Vaneks unveiled the new Cherry Pop Cattery at the Broward County Humane Society. Friends of Poppy were invited to enjoy the dedication and a small reception, where exquisite food and champagne were served. Live music and a video of Cherry Pop were played to provide a very warm, fun, and loving atmosphere.

Photographs and artwork of Cherry Pop adorned the walls of the new facility where cats that are awaiting adoption stay temporarily. The Vaneks have a long and active relationship with the Broward County Humane Society. Besides than their numerous financial contributions, they host several events year 'round to raise money for the Humane Society, and Huey Vanek is a volunteer and on the Board of Directors!

Although I have known the Vaneks for some time, it warms my heart each time I can witness their love and dedication not only to Cherry Pop but to all animals. I had the distinct Pleasure of saying a few words about Cherry Pop before we toured the facility. I'd like to share them with you:

Guests were treated to champange, and a wonderful variety of culinary elicatessens

Friends joined together to tour the new Cherry Pop Cattery

A night to remember for the many friends of Cherry Pop that attended the celebration.

Americans have always loved redheads, our infatuation with Lucille Ball, Ann Margaret, Red Skelton, and Carol Burnett has proved this. I really don't know what it is about them, but they have always touched our heart. This is the case of a fabulous gal who is unfortunately no longer with us. Her name was Cherry Pop, the Incredible Redhead. I first met Cherry Pop at a TICA show many years ago. She was sitting in her red Rolls Royce alongside her owners, The Vaneks. Amazingly enough with hundreds of people passing by, she sat perfectly still, carefree and relaxed, with dignity as no cat I have ever seen before or since. That was my first encounter with Poppy. Since that day, I was fortunate enough to see her many more times. One of the fringe benefits of being a journalist is being able to meet some fabulous people. That is how I met Huey and Vi Vanek. It is not until you speak with Huey and Vi about Cherry Pop that you can truly grasp what she meant, not only to them but to thousands of people all over the world. She was truly a cat of distinction. She did live an eventful life; she traveled for 104 weekends to shows all over the country without missing one weekend for two years. She graced the pages of hundreds of magazines, newspapers, and editorials and she was a frequent television guest. Hers was the life of a princess. Like her owners, she was not selfish. She gladly shared her celebrity in order to help many worthy causes including this Humane Society. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, and as the laws of nature read all living things must depart this world. But Cherry Pop has not left us. Her work, her legend, and her love remain with all of us. Tonight in her honor, philanthropists and humanitarians Huey and Vi Vanek have donated this new cattery and named it after the girl who touched their lives and the lives of others for 14 years. Cherry Pop has not died. No, she is with every one of us who love animals. It is with deepest feelings that I thank Huey and Vi for all they have done for animals, and I thank Cherry Pop for all that she has done for us. What we care for we never lose. What we truly love becomes a part of us.

-Kareem Tabsch is a freelance writer who specializes in celebrity interviews. He has interviewed celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Bob Hope, Joan Rivers, Julio Iglesias, Barbara Mandrell and others. He writes frequently on animal related issues as well as on the entertainment industry.