Dining With Dogs In Scottsdale Nets $140K For Phoenix Children's

SCOTTSDALE, AZ —A Scottsdale fundraiser earlier this month raised more than $140,000 for the Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) Program at Phoenix Children's Hospital, according to a hospital spokesperson.

The 14th annual Dine With Your Dog event was held on March 5 at Monterra at WestWorld in Scottsdale and featured a brunch for dogs and their human companions.

All proceeds will go to the Phoenix Children's program that provides therapy dogs to motivate, soothe and lift the spirits of patients in the hospital.

"Dogs have the special ability to make people smile wherever they go," said Steve Schnall, senior vice president and chief development officer at Phoenix Children's Hospital Foundation. "Our four-legged buddies help to soothe and relax even our littlest patients. We cannot thank the attendees and sponsors of this event enough for their contribution to the healing and happiness these dogs spread throughout our hospital."

The event was presented by the Rowley Family Foundation and sponsored by PetSmart and eMBRY Health. Destry Jetton of NBC Arizona emceed the program.

According to organizers, human attendees enjoyed a bunch spread, mimosas and a Bloody Mary bar, while their pets dined on a dog-friendly gourmet meal. The event featured pet play areas and offered dog owners and their pets a chance to stroll in front of the "pup-arazzi." There also was a silent auction.

During the program, representatives from the AAT Team at Phoenix Children's spoke about how that initiative positively impacts young patients.