Aspen, CO, July 31, 2009 – Tony Award-winning actress and Broadway Star Bernadette Peters brought her dazzling presence to Aspen on the weekend of July 25 -26, 2009, for Broadway Barks in Aspen, a series of events benefiting Friends of the Aspen Animal Shelter (“FAAS”) and Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition (“BARC”). Bernadette appeared at a VIP luncheon at the Aspen Animal Shelter on Saturday, July 25th where she mingled with the nearly 100 guests, read her children’s book “Broadway Barks” to the children in attendance and sang “Kramer’s Song.” She followed the touching performance with a book-signing and photo session with luncheon guests. Following the luncheon, Bernadette attended a Patron Dinner at the home of Lynda and Doug Weiser in Old Snowmass.

On Sunday night, July 26th, she capped off the weekend events with a warm and intimate performance at the Aspen District Theater.

For more information about other activities by Friends of the Aspen Animal Shelter, contact Anne Gurchick at 970-927-1771.

Aspen, CO, July 16, 2008 – Cesar Millan, the famed Dog Whisperer, played to a packed house at the Aspen District Theater on July 10, 2008 and captivated the audience with his "pack leader” philosophy. The nonprofit Friends of the Aspen Animal Shelter (FAAS), in conjunction with Aspen Wags to Riches* and Norbie Zuckerman and his dog Charlie as presenting sponsors, brought Cesar Millan to town for a series of events to raise money for its Roaring Fork Valley and Western Slope Spay/Neuter campaign.

“Not only was Cesar an unbelievable entertainer, but he clearly ‘walked the talk’ by changing the behavior of two dogs (see photos of Tessa and Sherman below) on stage, which he had only moments before met,” said Anne Gurchick, board member of FAAS and event organizer. "I heard of people going home after the show, waking up their dogs and trying some of Cesar’s pointers!”

The sold-out “Cesar Whispers in Aspen” show was preceded by a special luncheon at the Cheryl and Sam Wyly Aspen Animal Shelter. Nearly 100 people paid for the opportunity to mingle and have lunch with Cesar. While at the shelter, Cesar worked his “magic” on several shelter dogs and enthralled luncheon attendees with his “exercise, discipline, then affection” techniques. Post show, 20 patrons dined with Cesar at the home of a shelter benefactor.

“Cesar was met with such a warm reception by Aspen dog-lovers that he wants to return next year,” said Seth Sachson, President of FAAS and manager of the Aspen Animal Shelter. Stay tuned for details. For more information about other activities by Friends of the Aspen Animal Shelter, contact Anne Gurchick at 970-927-1771.

VIEW PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT