Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation Wine & Whiskers

Tony La Russa and the Animal Rescue Foundation hosted Wine & Whiskers, a very exclusive food and wine-tasting soiree to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Tony LaRussa’s 2006 World Series Cardinals, Monday, January 18, 2016. Friends, fans, and supporters gathered to sample from numerous well-regarded wineries and local St. Louis restaurants. Remarks from the skipper himself, now the chief baseball officer of the Arizona Diamondbacks, plus broadcasting legend Mike Shannon and KMOX host Charlie Brennan, contributed to the festivities. The event benefited ARF’s programs, promoting positive relationships between animals and people.

An auction of autographed memorabilia and photo opportunities with Tony LaRussa always prove a big hit. Once again, Gateway Pet Guardians, a local nonprofit animal shelter, brought some “puppy love” to the party with adorable puppies available for adoption.

The participating restaurants included Cielo Restaurant & Bar, Clark Street Grill/The Westin St. Louis, Cleveland-Health 106, Elicia’s Pizza, Corbin’s Preservernade & Gourmet Seasoning, Hollywood Casino, JAX Cafe, It’s Easy as Pie, Wang Gang, White Box Eatery, and Vincent Van Doughnut. Distributors from Adam Puchta Winery, Hermannhof Winery, Lohr Distributing Company, Noboleis Vineyards, PRP, Stone Hill Winery, the Barrens Winery, Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, and Westphalia Vineyards poured the guests samples from their inventories. The major event sponsors comprised Purina, Ameren Missouri, Commercial Bank, AT&T, First Bankers’ Banc Securities, Inc., Edward Jones, ARC, Inc., Busch Stadium, the St. Louis Cardinals, Sapaugh GM Country, KMOX News Radio 1120, The Westin St. Louis, and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

For 25 years, Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation has lived by the following motto: “People rescuing Animals…Animals rescuing People”. During 2014-15, ARF has rescued 2601 dogs and cats from public shelters and found them homes; placed 99 dogs and cats with veterans through Pets for Vets; provided 3,148 spray and neuter surgeries, including $50 spray/neuter for Pit Bulls and Chihuahuas; delivered 4,496 Hug Pack visits reaching 319,903 people in need, giving the healing touch of animals to children, seniors, and veterans; distributed 156, 046 pounds of donated pet food from Purina and local food drives to low-income families to care for their pets.