Best Friends’ Member Linda Shubert Hosts A DogTown Viewing Party

By Barbara J. Koll, Best Friends Network Volunteer

On March 20, Best Friends’ member Linda Shubert hosted a Party For a Purpose at her home in metro Atlanta. As part of its 25th Anniversary Celebration, Best Friends is providing party packages for anyone who hosts a Party for a Purpose to help engage new members and support the Best Friends’ mission of No More Homeless Pets.

DogTown Unites Animal Lovers
Along with 1.5 million U.S. households, Shubert and her guests tuned in to the National Geographic Channel to watch the premiere episode of the third season of DogTown, an amazing documentary series about Best Friends’ lifesaving work.

Shubert’s guests also participated in a webinar before the airing of DogTown in which participants could interact with dog trainer Pat Whitacre, one of the stars of the show.

Dogs, Wine and Good Times
Shubert hosted 12 guests at her party—dog-themed, of course—and featured the Vicktory Dogs Wine Collection. Ten percent of all sales from the Vicktory Dog Wine Collection is donated to Best Friends Animal Society to fund campaigns to help strengthen laws against and penalties for dog fighting, and for campaigns against legislation to ban specific breeds of dogs.

Guests also viewed a Best Friends' slide show and DVD about the Sanctuary. Shubert's guests were so impressed with the work of Best Friends that seven people became members and a donation was collected. Several of her guests also indicated an interest in hosting their own Party For a Purpose.

Shubert provided her guests with Best Friends’ brochures and magazines that are included in the party package as well as information about Caravintas Winery in Southern California—the winery that produces the Vicktory Dogs Wine.

Individuals who sign up with one Caravintas’ wine clubs receive a 20 percent discount on purchases and can select Best Friends to receive ten percent of the proceeds.

Best Friends is Blessed with Dedicated Volunteers
Shubert has been a member of Best Friends for about five years and supported the organization through donations prior to becoming a member. She and her daughter volunteered at the Sanctuary in 2007 and she hopes to return with the rest of her family in the near future. Shubert is already planning her next party to benefit Best Friends and hopes to make it a more significant fundraiser with a variety of raffle items—including a gift certificate from Caravintas Winery.

What you can do:
• Celebrate the history of Best Friends and help create a world with No More Homeless Pets by hosting your own Party For a Purpose.Click here for details on how to get started.

• Keep up with the adventures of the DogTown residents on Friday nights at 10 p.m. (EST) on the National Geographic Channel.

• Help Best Friends reach their goal of doubling their membership in 2009 as part of their 25th anniversary celebration. Give the Gift of a Best Friends membership to family, friends and co-workers.

Photo provided by Linda Shubert