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Parched March, Sydney's month-long bar odyssey, has wrapped
up for 2013 by throwing a huge VIP media and celebrity event at The Lawn, Ivy
last night.
The rain didn’t deter guests from gathering on the second
level of Ivy to enjoy delicious cocktails by Suntory, wines from Wild Oats and
canapés. Founder of Parched March, Amy Cooper, gave a heartfelt speech thanking
everyone involved before Simon Mercier, owner of participating Parched March
venue Name This Bar, jumped on stage to auction off artworks created as part of
Parched March. The Parched March PUP UP dog statues sold for a combined $2000,
Merivale’s Justin Hemmes generously bought the Mambo Surfboard for $1500, Nacho
Pop’s ‘Elephant’ artwork sold for $450 and Wade Osborne from band Amy Meredith
sold his ‘Doggie Style’ artwork for $250, all money raised was donated to
Animal Welfare League NSW.
Swing dancers graced the stage and got everyone doing the
‘twist’ before SYP, the Australian Psy impersonator, did an impromptu
performance of Gangnam Style which got everyone jumping up and down!
The event was a media and celebrity frenzy, with guests
including Dr Katrina Warren (celebrity TV vet), SYP (Australian Psy
impersonator), Rex Lee (American actor from Entourage), Lynette Bolton (WAG
Nation TV star and married to Sydney Swans player Jude Bolton), Amy Meredith
(3-time ARIA-nominated Australian band), Hayley Jensen (former Australian Idol
contestant), Annalise Braackensiek (TV presenter and model) and even our own
Parched March furry brand ambassador Fashion Dog.
More than 60 Sydney bars mixed up special cocktails
throughout the month of March, including Bondi Hardware, The Botanist, Gazebo
Wine Garden, Hugo’s, Palmer & Co, Méjico, LL Wine & Dine and many more.
The annual Good Times for a Good Cause has been the biggest year yet with over
$40,000 raised in total over the month, a new record and double of what Parched
March raised last year.
“Parched March helps raise money for Animal Welfare League
NSW (AWL) by encouraging people to enjoy our city’s bars responsibly. It proves
that doing good doesn’t always mean depriving yourself,” says Parched March
Director Amy Cooper.
"It's now become a much-anticipated event on the Sydney
social calendar, bringing friends and colleagues together as well as showcasing
this city's brilliant bar culture."
In 2013 Parched March put on a number of unique challenges
and events, with highlights including:
The Parched March PUP-UP – Throughout the month of March
specially commissioned papier mache dogs were decorated by Mambo artists, Jamie
Durie and other celebrities, and appeared in participating venues. The unique
artworks were auctioned off at the launch.
March 10th 2013: Pets at the Pub – at The Alexandria Hotel.
Was a pet-friendly afternoon in Sydney’s biggest beer garden with interactive
entertainment and celebrity appearances.
March 17th 2013: Pets at the Pub - Lord Dudley Hotel,
Woollahra. Held a Best in Show dog contest, fun, prizes and special appearance
from Dr Katrina Warren at the lovely English-style pub.
March 21st 2013: MR CBD, at Ananas at The Rocks turned up
the heat in town, with a beauty parade and auction of the hottest male city
workers. Brings new meaning to sex and the city! We have now crowned our very
first Mr CBD for 2013, Angelo Bourras.
March 22nd 2013: Furry Friday Rescue Challenge - The
fast-paced treasure hunt through participating CBD Parched March bars will saw
teams following clues to find the Pup-Up dogs.
April 3rd 2013: The Wrap Party – The invite-only bash was
the culmination of the month.
In the name of furry, charitable fun, Parched March 2013 has
been the biggest celebration yet of Sydney’s top-notch bar culture. We'll
drink to that!
To find out more about Parched March, visit www.parchedmarch.com
About Parched March:
Parched March was born in 2010 and is all about Good Times
for a Good Cause. Founder Amy Cooper created the campaign as a fun alternative
to dry campaigns such as FebFast and Ocsober. It celebrates sensible drinking
and Sydney’s fabulous array of world-class bars www.parchedmarch.com
About Animal Welfare League NSW:
Reliant on donations, Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL) is a
dynamic and high impact organisation, working to save and improve the lives of
pets that have been surrendered, neglected or abandoned.
AWL protects animals through regulatory work with various
Government bodies and helps to enforce legislation with a team of Inspectors
who are on the ground every day.
For pets in need, AWL provides customized care through a
foster care and branch network, three shelters and veterinary hospital, working
to find loving forever homes for animals in their care.
Websites
Parched March
Animal Welfare League NSW
The Ivy
