Showing posts with label Amy Cooper. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amy Cooper. Show all posts

Thursday, 4 April 2013

Parched March 2013: the grand finale!

Our fourth Parched March wraps with a mega-party at ivy and celebrates $40,000 raised


Every great show needs a grand finale, and last night Parched March 2013 rocked, sang, drank, toasted, danced and dazzled its way to the finish.

We were celebrating an amazing $40,000 raised for Animal Welfare League NSW - that's double last year's total. But we were also toasting 31 days of non-stop good times. 

"We had 75 bars, 11 events, 63 different kinds of cocktail, endless dogs, six hot blokes sold to the highest bidder," said elated Parched March director Amy Cooper in her speech to a crowd of more than 300. "Not to mention four confirmed love affairs and several more rumoured ones. That's the Parched March magic."

rockin' it out... dancers at the ivy party Photo: Nikki To

After all that relentless partying, highlighted by the launch bash at TheLoft and Mr CBD at Ananas, you could have forgiven Parched March fans for a little party fatigue. But they turned out in their greatest numbers yet for the wrap, filling The Lawn on ivy's second floor.  

Celebrities flocked in: Entourage's Rex Lee; Parched March ambassador and TV vet Dr Katrina Warren and fellow ambassador Lynette Bolton (WAG Nation TV star and married to Sydney Swan Jude Bolton).

Then there was three-time ARIA-nominated band Amy Meredith, Hayley Jensen (Australian Idol contestant), Chef Michael Moore (from Parched March participating venue O Bar and Dining) and his wife Angela;TV presenter and model Annaliese Braackensiek, and dancer and TV personality Nacho Pop.

Dogs were celebrities too at this party, with guest appearances from Parched March ambassador Fashion Dog, Kaiser the mini-schnauzer - belonging to J&J O'Brien group co-director Judith Crawley and even ivy owner Justin Hemmes' German Shepherd, Thunder, who encouraged his owner to bid highest in the Parched March charity art auction for a one-off, dog-themed Mambo surfboard.


Lynette Bolton and Rex Lee Photo: Sam Ali
Nacho Pop, Sia Anthopoulos, Sandradee Makajev and Fashion Dog Photo: Sam Ali
Wade Osborn and Cameron Laing from Amy Meredith Photo: Sam Ali

Fashion Dog makes her entrance Photo: Nikki To
They all came to The Lawn to enjoy delicious cocktails whipped up with Midori, Cointreau, Russian Standard and Tia Maria by Mike Enright and his Merivale team, and to help the Parched March crew push their total funds raised across the month up to $40,000.

The money was desperately needed to rebuild the dog accommodation at an Animal Welfare League NSW shelter for homeless animals. The day's heavy rain and resulting floods had left the 100-plus canines in the organisation's care without shelter.

"How are we going to do it?" said Amy Cooper. "Sell some dogs, of course!" 

Simon Mercier, owner of Parched March participating bar Name This Bar, took the stage and unleashed a boisterous auction for the unique artworks specially created for Parched March: four dog statuettes, a surfboard and two canvasses painted by Nacho Pop and Wade Osborn. 

The auction quickly raised the $4,000 needed to hit the total. For blow-by-blow action see here.


Then it was time to party in earnest.

The unmistakable intro to Gangnam Style blasted out and a familiar sequin-jacketed figure leaped on stage. Was it him or wasn't it? We're not saying. But here's a clue. He spells his name a bit funny.

Was it PSY....






Or SYP?


 ...






Who cares? It rocked.









The Parched March team, Freya Pearson and Daniel Butchart (events managers), Sia Anthopoulos (social media) and Carmarlena Murdaca (Mr CBD manager) took the stage to join Amy Cooper and Katrina Warren in a toast to good times.

"At Parched March, we celebrate fun in times when fun is sometimes out of fashion," Amy told the crowd. "But if we ever find ourselves forgetting  how to have fun, we need only look at our animal friends to remember how it's done. That's why we do all this for animal welfare.

"There have been far too many amazing moments this March for me to list, but I can safely say that for every single one of them, I've had a great cocktail in my hand.

"Our heartfelt thanks to the 75 generous Sydney bars who joined us this year to use the power of cocktails for good."

Then she and Dr Katrina toasted the crowd with a Midori and Cointreau cocktail from Parched March partner, Suntory ... and the good times rolled.


To Parched March, good times and big hearts! Photo: Sam Ali

Judith Crawley, co-director of J&J O'Brien group, and Kaiser Photo: Nikki To

Angela and Michael Moore Photo Nikki To



Katrina Warren and friend Photo: Nikki To
SYP, Freya Pearson and Mike Enright Photo: Sam Ali

Annaliese Braackensiek and posse Photo: Sam Ali

Parched March Mr CBD Angelo Bouras Photo: Sam Ali



Jonathan Ellerman and admirers Photo: Sam Ali

Ivy owner Justin Hemmes with his German Shepherd, bidding in the art auction  Photo: Sam Ali


Dancer and performer Pia Anderson selects the Afternoon Highball



Justine Millsom and friend Photo: Sam Ali
Jessica Borg and Angelo Bouras, Parched March Mr CBD 2013 Photo: Sam Ali
Delicious: The Afternoon Highball, featuring Midori and Cointreau, and the Crofts Original featuring Cointreau and Russian Standard Vodka. Photo: Nikki To

Dogs were centre stage Photo Sam Ali






Rex Lee, Entourage and Suburgatory TV actor Photo: Nikki To
Tanya Dobble, the artist behind the Parched March PUP-UP Photo: Nikki To

Name This Bar's Simon Mercier whips up an auction frenzy with MR CBD Angelo Bouras Photo: Nikki To






Mr CBD finalist John Owens with the winning bidder of Bodhi, the Jamie Durie-designed PUP-UP dog statuette Photo: Nikki To

Ladies' Choice: Tia Maria, Russian Standard, Creme de Cacao, Espresso and vanilla cream float Photo: Nikki To













Sunday, 31 March 2013

Own the Parched March PUP-UP!

For the very first time, some unique artworks specially created for Parched March have made their own tour of Sydney bars - and now YOU can own them! 

ED'S NOTE: AUCTION IS NOW CLOSED


You might have spotted them while sipping a Cointreau Poodle or Disaronno Sour in one of our Parched March participating bars; four one-off dog statuettes and a spectacularly painted surfboard - all designed by celebrity artists.

These works are our Parched March PUP-UP and appeared throughout the month in bars including Gazebo Wine Garden, Li'l Darlin, NameThisBar, Kaya, O Bar and Dining, Cohibar and Bondi Social.

The PUP-UP was specially created for us by artist Tanya Dobble, celebrity gardening expert Jamie Durie and Mambo artists, and has been a major hit with everyone who's encountered them while enjoying Sydney's brilliant bars.

Just like the animals helped by our partner charity, Animal Welfare League NSW, these artworks need a permanent home. So we're auctioning them, and of course all the proceeds go to AWL NSW.

Mambo artists Lee McConnell and Ben Brown with their work
Imagine displaying one of these beautiful pieces at home or work as a permanent reminder of your generosity and of the bonds we share with our animal friends. There's one for every taste, from Jamie Durie's Bodhi, with her rusty finish and little flower pot, to cheeky Neil, a colourful and very well-embellished Farting Dog from our mates at Mambo. Modogliani the greyhound is an elegant tribute to rescue dogs, symbolizing the Parched March cause. And if you love the ocean and animals, how could you go past the spectacular surfboard Vincent Van Hump, painted by Mambo artist Ben Brown as a tribute to his labrador?

The works are now available for sale with a final auction at our wrap party this Wednesday 3 April. You can bid on this page, using the comments section at the bottom of this story. Simply post your bid there, or any questions you have about the works. The highest bid for each work in this pre-auction wins a ticket to the wrap party to bid in the live auction.

Meet the PUP-UP:



Vincent van Hump by Ben Brown
Bodhi by Jamie Durie and Modogliani by Tanya Dobble

Neil by Lee McConnell

Snoop Doggy Rod by Julie Hong


Vincent Van Hump, by Ben Brown, Mambo

This highbrow, culture-defining piece of work is devoted to all those faithful companions who show undying love and dedication to their masters - as only they know how. It is based on the true-life relationship I share with my white labrador - he is always happy and overly affectionate.
He originally came to us as a guide dog puppy and we raised him to the age and standard where he was sent off to guide dog school. Alas, he didn't quite make the grade, his career was curtailed and luckily for all involved, he came back home.
Now every day is a holiday. He is very happy. A true 'dog of love.' 
The styles used in this drawing are those of Richard Allen, the iconic designer who created the Mambo dog motif, and Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth, another personal favourite.


                                                                                 - Ben Brown, artist
Vincent Van Hump's reserve price is $900


BODHI, created by Tanya Dobble, design by Jamie Durie


Bodhi is a Rhodesian ridgeback, inspired by and named after TV garden design guru and Parched March ambassador Jamie Durie's own beloved ridgeback.

A collaboration with Jamie evolved into an outside garden concept after it was decided we all liked this dog's base wire sculpture to be left as it was, rather than apply any covering. The rust application gave our Bodhi the beautiful rust colour reflective of the real Bodhi’s coat, and her love of the outdoors is shown through her little growing pot. She even has her own JD dog tag. 

                                                                             - Tanya Dobble, artist

Bodhi's reserve price is $300

Modogliani, by Tanya Dobble


Modogliani is a dedication to all the rescued greys particularly the ex racers, his ear tattoos a testament to his former life. As his wire form took shape and I began to apply the papier mache, Patch and Sox my own rescue greys, started to investigate and with their innate curiosity tried to gauge if he was a friendly new member of our pack. Male greys often take on the nurturing role. 
His elongated, simplified form reminded me of Modigliani's work and so his sculptured face evolved. His pose is typical of my greys, dignified and regal, but always eager to know what's going on and not to miss out on anything.
He is now wearing a happy coat ready to be adopted into a loving household and be treated with the affection and respect he deserves.
                                                                             -Tanya Dobble, artist
Modogliani's reserve price is $250


Neil, constructed by Tanya Dobble, decorated by Lee McConnell, Mambo


Neil is a special breed of Farting Dog called 'The Holiday Dog,' found mostly along the coast of Far North Queensland and well-known for their tasteful choice in loud shirt and orchestral fart.  Neil has not been able to find a mate since he was photographed mounting his owner’s leg and having said photograph turned into a Mambo t-shirt, ruining Neil's reputation among the female 'Holiday Dog' population of his hometown, Port Douglas. Confused but still aroused, he made his way to Sydney where he is on the lookout for a caring owner looking to spice up their home. Neil is also aiming to raise a tonne of cash for other dogs in his situation, who hopefully will find their way to Animal Welfare League NSW.”   
                                                                            - Lee McConnell, artist
Neil's reserve price is $250


Snoop Doggy Rod
Made by Tanya Dobble, decorated by Julie Hong, Mambo
Blue Heeler/Box-Nose Griffon Vendeen (grand), cross

Rod is not just a much loved member of the Mambo family but also an enthusiastic retriever of sticks, golf balls and on occasion, ‘longnecks’ accidently dropped off the studio veranda. For most of the past 28 years, Rod’s coat has remained a luminescent white with only a rain-soaked music festival or a night spent under a bush sleeping off a hangover causing temporary damage to his gorgeous hair suit. That was until recently.

While visiting a shed out back of the studio (a storage facility for flammable solvents, print samples, financial statements and spare parts for the hot tub) Rod discovered that the power was out and so struck a match to illuminate the darkened interior. The flame caused an explosion that rattled the teeth of pensioners playing bingo in a bowling club across the Harbour. When Rod was eventually found - in a back yard, two suburbs away, he was barely conscious and covered in a heat fused ‘catalog’ of recent Mambo prints. After regaining consciousness Rod decided that he liked his new coat so much that he has decided to keep it. In addition to attracting the attention of local canine females the prints have an AVU rating of +45, giving Rod extra protection from the sun’s harmful rays.  
                                                                                           -  The Mambo Gang

Snoop Doggy Rod's reserve price is $100



Thursday, 7 March 2013

BIG-HEARTED STONED CROW!

Generous $2,000 donation from birthday bar


What a wonderful way to kick off the Parched March 2013 events calendar! To celebrate The Stoned Crow's birthday and the Crows Nest venue's Parched March debut, kind owner Arik Shifroni donated $2,000 to the Parched March cause, Animal Welfare League NSW.

In a glittering evening called 'Save The Crow's Furry Friends,' a beautiful crowd wore feathers and enjoyed the Stoned Crow's Parched March cocktail, Sour Puss, a delicious white rum and Cointreau concoction.

Celebrity vet and Parched March ambassador Katrina Warren MC-ed, fellow Parched March ambassador Lynette Bolton added a dash of extra glam, and hot singer songwriter Jordan Millar was as easy on the eye as his tunes are on the ear.

Arik presented the cheque to AWL NSW CEO Tim Vasudeva, who agreed with the Parched March crew that the Stoned Crow has set a great precedent for a month of good times for a good cause.


L-R Arik Shifroni with Parched March director Amy Cooper and ambassador Dr Katrina Warren. Pic: Aidan Ormond



Delicious... miniatures of the Sour Puss (white rum, Cointreau, Pom liqueur, lemon, lime, vanilla sugar). Pic: Aidan Ormond



Stoned Crow Bartender Charley  Pic: Rishi Ghai


Lynette Bolton and friend enjoyed a girls' night out Pic: Aidan Ormond


Mmm! Georgia Blakeney thinks the baby Sour Puss tastes sweet Pic Aidan Ormond

Thursday, 28 February 2013

The kick-off! Parched March 2013 launches in style

Hundreds of fun-lovers flock to theloft for arty, rocking, canine cocktail fun


There's no doubt that Parched March 2013 is the biggest and best yet - our amazing launch party at theloft proved it!

This party had it all: celebrities, canines both real and sculptural, live art, delicious cocktails, a glittering, fun-obsessed crowd - and even a Psy-alike all dressed up Gangnam style ...



Parched March celebrity supporters Dr Katrina Warren, Jamie Durie and Bodhi Pic: Nikki To


Delicious Parched March signature drink: The Cointreau Pink Poodle Pic: Rishi Ghai


Mambo artists Lee McConnell and Ben Brown with their PUP-UP artworks pic: Nikki To



Parched March ambassadors Shae-Lee Shackleford and Matt Doran with Parched March director Amy Cooper (centre) Pic: Nikki To


Gangnam Style goes doggy style: SYP supports our animal cause with flair and a glittery jacket Pic: Nikki To