Nature turns on animal benefit

There's nothing more unpredictable than Michigan weather, and on Aug. 6, Mother Nature showed her unpleasant side with a thrash of unexpected thunderstorms.But it takes more than a little thunder, lightning and torrential rain to put a damper on the plans of diehard Metro Detroit partygoers.

Some 200 people had just arrived to the garden patio at The Whitney to participate in "Animal House Party," an event created by Hubert and Eliza Sawyers of Grosse Pointe Park, to mix music, charity and community for the benefit of the Michigan Humane Society.

"The goal is to raise awareness beyond the usual animal-focused crowd, while having fun at the same time," said Jennifer Marsik Friess of Oak Park, one of the evening's hosts. "The evening is geared toward young professionals with disc jockeys, dancing and refreshments.

When the rain came, everyone pitched in to help tear down the outside party and quickly resurrect it inside throughout The Whitney's foyer and first-floor dining rooms. While waiters passed hors d'oeuvres like coconut shrimp and sesame beef, guests lined up to a makeshift bar for liquid refreshments.

A dozen QR codes were placed throughout the area, giving guests a chance to win prizes from Slow's Bar-B-Q, Moosejaw and the Curl Up and Dye Salon.Tickets for Animal House Party were $40, and although it was not an official Michigan Humane Society event, the party raised more than $5,500 for the charity.