Photo Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel has been rolling out the red carpet for their four-legged guests for years. From the annual Yappy Hour cocktail party to pet-friendly amenities that include amenities that include hand-painted water dishes and plush doggie beds; this SoCal property loves to pamper pooches. 
Photo Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
As a result of the success they’ve seen from the past two Yappy Hour events (proceeds go to Friends of Orange County’s Homeless Pets (FOCHP)) the five-star hotel is launching the first annual Diamond Ball. “It takes our passion for supporting animal-related causes to the next level. Our responsibility extends beyond the day-to-day hotel operations and supports one of the many meaningful causes that our community and neighbors are passionate about,” said General Manager Bruce Brainerd.
Photo Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
The Fido-centric affair will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2013, with a silent and live auction taking place throughout the night. Guests will sit down to a four-course gourmet dinner paired with Mutt Lynch wines prepared by the hotel’s own Executive Chef Pedro Contreras. In addition to the auctions, gala-goers can help raise funds by offering up their own so-last-season jewelry and gems as part of The Diamond Drop Extravaganza.
Photo Courtesy of Canine Companions for Independence
The Diamond Ball will support the efforts of FOCHP, which makes homeless and undesirable pets more adoptable, as well as the Wounded Veteran Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). CCI matches wounded veterans with assistance dogs so they can reclaim their independence. “Having FOCHP and CCI together as beneficiaries solidifies our vision that it’s not just about people saving animal’s lives; it’s about how animals save people’s lives too,” Brainerd said.
Photo Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
If you want to be part of a good cause this fall, bring an open heart, your old pearls, and a checkbook to the beautiful, oceanfront Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel (just don’t bring your pup; ironically, this is a pet-free event). Tickets are $250 and can be purchased at TheDiamondBall.org. Keep in mind, the form and payment must be received by October 25 to reserve your tickets or they will be released back to the public.
