Cocktails and Hors d'Oeuvres Help End Dogfighting in Atlanta

	Pet pit bulls Ruby and Martha greeted guests with warm affection. ©Ralph Hawthorne

May 19, 2009, marked a meaningful day for anti-dogfighting advocates. Not only was it the release date of notorious dogfighter Michael Vick from federal prison, but it brought in a bounty of support for The HSUS's End Dogfighting in Atlanta program.

Launched in October 2008, the End Dogfighting in Atlanta program focuses on the Decatur neighborhood and is an offshoot of The HSUS's successful End Dogfighting in Chicago program. Enthusiastic support at the May 19 event gave hope for an equally successful anti-dogfighting program in Atlanta.

A Welcoming Ambiance and A Rousing Success

Held at the 5 Seasons Brewery at the Prado in Sandy Springs, Ga., the fundraiser was a glowing gala. Basking in the warm sun tempered by a cool breeze, attendees enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in an outdoor patio. Generous guests bid on items in the silent auction, including a signed jersey by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.

Jamal Parris and Darian Prather mingled with supporters of End Dogfighting in Atlanta. ©Ralph Hawthorne

"Our first fundraiser was a huge success! It was a beautiful night in Atlanta and the turnout was terrific," said Elisabeth Gambill-Niksich, lead volunteer for End Dogfighting in Atlanta. "It was the first chance for many people to see how the End Dogfighting program is actually making a difference right here in our own back yard." 

Mingling with Those on The Ground

Throughout the evening, guests got an inside view of the End Dogfighting in Atlanta program, meeting and mingling with Community Organizer Ralph Hawthorne, as well as Anti-Dogfighting Advocates Jamal Parris and Darian "Big D" Prather.

These young men from the community walk the streets three nights a week, looking for kids and their pit bulls—all potential new recruits into the campaign's Pit Bull Training Team dog training classes, which currently focus on Atlanta's Decatur community.

	The End Dogfighting in Atlanta team thanked the attendees. ©Lateena Hawthorne

Also mingling with the gala guests were the PBTT's lead trainer Amber Burckhalter and assistant trainer Ken Dupcak. "Many people commented on how wonderful it was to see the pit bull dog in a positive light," said Burckhalter. "We had the chance to share the individual stories of some of our PBTT participants, about the enormous strides and amazing changes in relationships between young men and their dogs that we're seeing unfold."

Also making waves among the crowd were Ruby and Martha, two beautiful pit bulls belonging to Anna Ware of the Holland M. Ware foundation, which has helped fund The HSUS's anti-dogfighting efforts in Atlanta and around the country.

Accolades from Top Dogs

When Georgia's Secretary of State Karen Handel took the microphone, her words seemed to be directed right at Ruby and Martha. "I don't know a dog out there that doesn't want to be anything but a lover to its owner," said Handel, expressing her support for the End Dogfighting in Atlanta campaign.  

Secretary of State Handel also applauded The HSUS for shepherding through Georgia's dogfighting law, which is now one of the toughest in the country.

(Left to right) Jaimye Bartak, Ralph Hawthorne and The HSUS's Mike Markarian made the evening a success. ©Lateena Hawthorne

Fulton County Senior District Attorney Laura Jansen couldn't agree more. Backed by Georgia's strong dogfighting law, she has worked tirelessly against dogfighting and spoke of the importance of tackling dogfighting through legislation, law enforcement and community outreach.

Jansen concluded by confiding, "I love working with HSUS. Every person I meet from HSUS is so passionate and enthusiastic, like it's their first day on the job. This is key to the organization's effectiveness."

The evening wrapped up with HSUS Chief Operating Officer Vice President Michael Markarian giving an overview of The HSUS' campaigns and explaining the importance of End Dogfighting in Atlanta.

He emphasized the program's unique, five-pronged approach at tackling dogfighting:

1. Youth violence intervention
2. Dog training classes
3. Community outreach
4. Humane education
5. Law enforcement partnerships.

The End Dogfighting team hoped that this successful fundraiser was just the first of many. 

What You Can Do

To get involved in End Dogfighting in Atlanta, please contact Laurie Maxwell at lmaxwell@hsus.org. Or, end dogfighting in your city!

Related Links

Campaign Tackles Urban Dogfighting

End Dogfighting Campaign Media Coverage

End Dogfighting in Your City

Pit Bull Training Team Kicks Off in Atlanta

Want to Help End Dogfighting in Atlanta? Cheers