Hairspray and Heels

Saturday was a bit out of the ordinary for SP Kennel. Instead of being on the frozen Kusko River racing sled dogs (which wasn't on the SP Kennel racing calendar this season), Aliy and Moira flew to Anchorage early in the morning. Allen and Chris stayed home to train dogs.

With amazing assistance (and lots of encouragement) from our good friend Barbara, Aliy and Moira were whisked straight from the airport to an evening gown store to choose their ball gowns. Then it was off to Kyle at 119 @ 4th Avenue Hair Salon for their “up-do’s” and makeup. After finding appropriate dress shoes, evening clutches and jewelry… they were ready for the 'Fire and Ice Ball', the annual major fundraiser for Covenant House Alaska.

That's right! A dog musher can dress up once in a while.


Strike a pose!

SP Kennel and Matson (SPK's lead sponsor) have a great history with Covenant House. For many years, Aliy and Allen would travel to Anchorage, visit with kids and do an evening sled dog presentation. Horizon Lines, now Matson, was the sponsor of the Covenent House for those presentation days. Aliy kept in contact with several kids and even had one young woman help the SP Kennel Red Team on 4th Avenue at the Iditarod start. Aliy and Allen have always tried to stay in touch with Alison Kear, Executive Director, a big dog mushing fan. We enjoy the relationship and the link between the kids of Covenent House and SP Kennel.

The evening was a spetacular event with a Rio Carnival theme and a great deal of money was raised. There were silent auctions with amazing items up for grabs. Matson shipping sponsored a table at the ball and Aliy and Moira were very happy to join Matson's Alaska Vice President, Kenny Gill and his wife, Michele, (right) at the special event.

What a fantastic evening for a stupendous cause!

The Covenant House has a Vision to Help Homeless Kids.

"Our job is to protect the rights of young people ... to fight for these rights ... to speak for those who have no voice of their own.

Covenant House doesn't forget about all the kids who are no longer here because no one cared – we hold their memory in our hearts while moving forward in our efforts to help all the scared and lonely kids who are still out there waiting.
"

The strangest part of the evening was how people who knew Aliy very well just didn’t recognise her in a gown and “up-do”. She sat down with several long-time supporters who looked at her in a daze simply saying "It's good to see you…" Aliy had to say… "Hey… it's me… Aliy." The response was usually "Oh my Gosh! Where's your red beanie?"