Trunks, Tails, Bubbles & Brunch Benefit Raises Funds for Rescued Elephants and Homeless Dogs

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. - Aug. 10, 2015 - PRLog -- A recent benefit hosted by local restaurateur, Katia Bagatta of Bistro K in Laguna Niguel, raised over $15,000 for the charitable work of two animal rescue organizations.

Bagatta, a long-time supporter of the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and Ghetto Rescue FFoundation (GRFF), opened her Italian bistro to the local Orange County community to serve both domestic and wildlife animals.

In attendance were PAWS’ Founder and President Ed Stewart and Ghetto Rescue FFoundation’s Founder and President Tami Baumann. Other notables attending were actress Jessy Schram, the “Cinderella” star of ABC’s television series Once Upon A Time, and Katharine Kramer, filmmaker, entertainer and daughter of award-winning film director Stanley Kramer.

Bagatta’s Bistro K attracted a full house of enthusiastic guests that enjoyed a bounty of bubbles, delicious vegetarian fare and silent auction treasures, while introduced to deserving animals for adoption.

Half of the funds raised will help PAWS care for its nine rescued and retired elephants at its ARK 2000 sanctuary in Northern California. Founded in 1984, PAWS’ ARK 2000 is a 2,300-acre natural habitat facility designed to provide peaceful refuge for rescued elephants, lions, tigers, bears and other captive wildlife. All of the animals at PAWS have been victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment. Now safe at PAWS, they are free to roam their spacious habitats, and live out their lives in peace at PAWS.

The balance of funds raised will assist Ghetto Rescue FFoundation in its noble work of rescuing stray dogs and cats from the streets of some of Southern California’s most at-risk areas. Since its inception in 1993, GRFF has helped and placed countless animals. Run by police, fire and civilian personnel, dedicating their free time to helping animals and families in need, especially in low-income areas of Los Angeles, GRFF provides short and long-term foster care, as well as veterinary services to all rescued animals.

When asked why she is so passionate about helping animals in need, Bagatta replies, “Once you really stop and look deeply into the eyes of a majestic and wise elephant, you know this animal should never be chained or forced to ride a tricycle in the circus. When you embrace the unconditional love from a homeless and neglected dog, you just feel it – and that no matter what, you are making a difference with just this one dog...one at a time.”

Bagatta plans to make the benefit an annual event.

Bistro K is located on Town Center Drive in Laguna Niguel. Family-owned and operated since 2008, Bistro K serves a perfect blend of traditional Italian recipes alongside eclectic New World flavors. For details on upcoming events and specials at Bistro K, including cooking classes, winery and brewery tastings and more, visit TheBistroK.com or follow on Facebook @TheBistroK.