Boho Barn Raising Fundraiser Planned for Top Dog 2025
MYAKKA CITY, FLORIDA, December 2024 – This year, Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton changed the lives and businesses of many Floridians. In August, Donte’s Den Animal Sanctuary was all set with a date and theme for Top Dog 2025, the biggest and most important event of the year for the Sanctuary. But, by October, all plans were put on hold as Donte’s Den faced massive property damage from Hurricane Milton, including the loss of our barn, home to Mischief, the sanctuary’s rescue miniature horse.
Every Problem Is An Opportunity, and We’re Back On Track
The need to rebuild Mischief’s barn, stronger than it was before, is imminent, and we’re asking for our community’s help. On Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 3p until 6p, we’re inviting the public to attend the 11th Annual Top Dog Event at Donte’s Den Animal Sanctuary in Myakka City. The theme, Raise The Woof, will be a new take on an old-fashioned barn raising. There will be delicious food, themed cocktails and family-friendly beverages, live entertainment, Boho Barn Chic Instagram-worthy photo ops, live and silent auctions, and our famous Top Dog Runway Costume Contest, complete with prizes for the winners and a trophy for the Top Dog. The contest will be judged by local celebrities, and emceed by ABC7’s Bob Harrigon, a longtime supporter of Donte’s Den Sanctuary. In between the activities, learn how to swing a loop with a professional roper and show off your line dancing skills with the live band.
A very special addition to Top Dog 2025 will be opportunities for guests to be part of Donte’s Den legacy. We are offering donors the personalized engraving of their name and/or the name of their beloved pet on a single picket of the picket fence that will be part of the exterior of Mischief’s new barn. Help us Raise the Woof, and be part of something unique that will help Donte’s Den continue in its mission to save dogs and some misplaced farm animals. What we do for all dogs is done, as always, in the name of one dog: our beloved Donte.
Suggested Attire for Top Dog 2025:
Boho Chic with Cowboy Hats and Rhinestone Boots
For an interview with Donte’s Den founder Marsha Panuce, please contact Hans Wohlgefahrt at 941.417.9592. Come meet Mischief, and the newest addition to our Sanctuary, a calf who has yet to be named.