Speakeasy Fundraiser to help Tampa Bay’s Pets

TAMPA, Fla. – Frankie’s Friends’ third annual fundraiser to benefit Tampa Bay area pets is scheduled to be held Oct. 18, at the Centro Asturiano de Tampa. The fundraiser, Frankie’s Friends Unleashed for Hope, benefits pets whose families would otherwise not be able to afford life-saving emergency or specialty treatment.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m., when guests will travel back in time. Those attending the event are encouraged to dress in prohibition-era attire in order to fully experience the speakeasy-style party.

The event will feature music provided by the Vodkanauts band with dancing entertainment provided by Fred Astaire Dance Studio and character entertainment provided by Wiseguys InterACTive Entertainment.

Passwords to gain entrance to the speakeasy will be provided at a cost of $100 per person.

The speakeasy will feature an open bar as well as cocktail food and dessert catered from several Tampa Bay area restaurants.

Complimentary valet will be provided or free parking is available on-site.

For more information, see the Frankie’s Friends website at frankiesfriends.com or call the event hotline at 813.549.6978.

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Date: May 13, 2013 Contact: James P. Judge Media & Public Relations Manager Frankie’s Friends 813.549.7688, office james.judge@bluepearlvet.com

Sassy and Bailey: Twice the Love, Twice the Appreciation for Frankie’s Friends Help

Our family can’t begin to express our sincere gratitude to veterinarian oncologist Dr. Jen Coyle for the unexpected, but much appreciated gift she coordinated through Frankie’s Friends for our beloved four-legged canines Sassy and Bailey Martin. Receiving news from Dr. Coyle, that our sweet 5-year-old golden retriever, Bailey, was diagnosed with cancer, was devastating. After 14 months of intensive treatments,  Bailey's progress was optimistic. Our joy turned quickly to sadness as our six year old black lab mix, Sassy, was also diagnosed with cancer.

Due to a corporate downsizing, our two-income household was decreased to a one-income household only. With this unexpected  financial hardship, we spent many a sleepless night worrying how we’d be able to treat both Sassy and Bailey.

We didn’t have to worry for very long. Dr. Coyle let us know we were the recipients of the gift of Frankie’s Friends for both dogs. It was the best news we’d had in a very long time.

The level of professionalism given to Sassy and Bailey by the BluePearl staff in Tampa -- Jen, Jamie, Amy, Emily and Robert -- will never be forgotten. The care, love and devotion Courtney, Trish, Amy and Megan from Blue Pearl in Brandon gave Sassy and Bailey never went unnoticed.

Dr. Coyle’s dedication, optimism and warmth along with the unexpected gift she facilitated through Frankie’s Friends enabled Sassy and Bailey to receive the much needed extended treatments.

This unselfish gesture from all of the BluePearl staff afforded our family more time spent with  Sassy and Bailey. And for that, our family will be forever grateful.

Karen & Larry

Gusto Gets Special Gift of Life From Frankie's Friends

Dear Frankie's Friends, There really aren't words enough to thank you for giving our baby Gusto a second chance at life.  He is being treated by the greatest group of people at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa. Special thanks to our Oncologist Dr. Kane for his professionalism and to our family clinician Dr. Trakas from Country Chase Veterinary in Tampa who recommended the good people at BluePearl.  When we found out that Frankie's Friends could help, we were literally in tears.  If it wasn't for your caring outreach and dedication to helping those  in need, we would have had to of foregone the chemotherapy that Gusto needed for his lymphoma.

Now, however, with your special gift of life to Gusto, he is doing extremely well in his therapy, and the prognosis is looking excellent.  We can't thank you enough for your help.  We will forever be indebted to Frankie's Friends for all that you've done and will continue to do through the remainder of his treatment.

God bless you all.

Best Regards and Special Thanks,

Suzy and Chris