Greyhounds will stride alongside models, but not because of their long legs and slim build.
The models will carry rabbits in pretty totes, but not because they’re cute and petite.
It’s all to find the animals a new home.
The third annual Runways and Rescues fashion show, created by Jacquelyn Brooks of Jacquelyn Brooks Designs, will incorporate adoptable animals with fashion to promote the animal rescues and two fashion lines.
This semiformal, pink-carpet event will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at Haile Plantation Country Club, 9905 SW 44th Ave.
Participants can sip champagne, take photographs in front of Hollywood-inspired backdrops, chow down on a dinner at the clubhouse and watch the models glide down the runway in smoky lavender, chartreuse, floral and ‘60s-inspired attire.
“I thought it’d be nice to have something a little more upscale for pets,” Brooks said. “A lot of formal charity events are health-related.”
All ticket sales and event proceeds benefit Gold Coast Greyhound Adoptions and Gainesville Rabbit Rescue, which are providing the animals.
“We’re completely honored that Jacquelyn picked us,” said Ann-Marie Brown, adoption coordinator of Gold Coast Greyhound Adoptions. “We don’t get a tremendous amount of publicity.”
There will be six to eight adoptable greyhounds and several rabbits in the show. All except one animal that participated in last year’s show were adopted.
“It’s going to be really hard to get through this event without adopting one,” said Brooks, who owns a dog, JoJo, and two cats, Maverick and Tucker.
Heather Jones, a model in last year’s show, said she struggles with the same thing.
“I just wanted to adopt all of the dogs,” said the 28-year-old who will model in the show again this year. She also owns a miniature poodle named Benjamin. “I was in heaven.”
The models will meet the animals Saturday to get acquainted with them before the show. Jones said she is excited to work with greyhounds for the first time.
“They don’t have the ‘puppyhood’ that normal dogs have. They’re treated like professional athletes,” Brown said. “It’s neat because they’re getting new puppy experiences. And it’s going to be really neat to see all the fashion that Jacquelyn put together.”
Both organizations will set up booths for people interested in adopting the soon-to-be glamorized animals.
“I always love seeing the animals,” Brooks said. “It’s a lot like planning a wedding — kind of stressful, but it’s a lot of fun.”
Online sales ended Monday, but general admission tickets can be purchased at the door for $45.
For more information, visit www.runwaysandrescues.com.
