The Event On Saturday morning, October 26, 2002, the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Dallas presented Dogs in Drag on the grounds of Methodist Hospital in Dallas to benefit Dallas' newest dog park in Deep Ellum. Approximately 75 guests attended the event and over 25 dogs competed for various costume prizes including Most Unique, Scariest, Funniest, Most Resembles Owner, Runt, and Best in Show. Guests also won a large number of raffle prizes donated by sponsors of the event. The 3-member celebrity judging panel consisted of Mark Housewright - Dallas City Councilmember (District 3), Veletta Forsythe Lill - Dallas City Councilmember (District 14) and Brett Shipp of WFAA-Channel 8 News. The event raised $7,000, with all proceeds going to benefit the new dog park, which opened in April 2003. A prominent feature of the dog park will be named in honor of the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Dallas during the summer of 2003. The Gay and Lesbian Fund for Dallas presented Dogs in Drag with Paws Pet-Sitting, a professional pet sitting services company, which was the principal corporate sponsor of the event.

Corporate Sponsors Artpaw.com Big Bark Bakery Canine Home School Paul's Pet Food Delivery Express Pappy's Pet Lodge Paws Pet Services Peacock Alley PetMarks Pic-A-Pal Pets for Life Petropolitan Magazine The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Uncle Julio's Vet Stop Animal Clinic The Oak Cliff Tribune

Event Steering Committee April Prohaska, co-chair Enrique MacGregor, co-chair Stephen Adair Brad Crump Patty Housewright Mark Niermann