Bark-A-Luau: A Barking Good Success

An imaginative celebrity Hula dance-off to benefit the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, featuring State Rep. Sean Scanlon, North Haven First Selectman Michael Freda and firemen brothers Harvey and Tim Judd, was the highlight of the Bark-a-Luau at the Owenego Beach Club Sunday afternoon.

Probate Judge Frank Forgione had the difficult task of deciding a winner in the four-way dance rivalry that took on a life of its own. In the end Judge Forgione decided that Guilford firefighter Harvey Judd was the winner although First Selectman Freda was clearly a contender, especially when he did a split.

“The firefighters outdid their acumen and their ability to engage in whatever that was,” the judge observed to applause and laughter. ​“It was truly impressive. Harvey Judd, if firefighting doesn’t work out, you have another career,” Judge Forgione declared of Judd’s stripping agility. Congratulations, you’re the winner.”

The judge also acknowledged Freda for his split and his spirit.

Since the men’s attire had to resemble the women’s attire, various objects were added here and there to achieve the desired outcome. 
Forgione said the winner of the contest gets to donate $1,000 to his favorite charity. Judd (at left end) choose the Connecticut Burn Center in Bridgeport. 

Welcoming folks to the event was Eunice LaSala, a member of the animal commission and a dedicated supporter of dogs – and let us not forget, cats. 

The Bark-A-Luau was a success on many levels, said Laura Burban, director of the Animal Shelter. It was sponsored by Michelle Wininger, a realtor at KW Luxury Homes, who also donated the $1,000 for the hula contest.

Wininger told the Eagle one of her passions in life in helping dogs in need. She attended with Lacey, her dog who is 12. Both wore Hawaiian Leis. ​“I want to help animals in need to find a home and to find the safety and security they deserve,” she said.

There were contests for kids.

And the ladies learned the art and costume of the hula dance.

First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove attended the event and he and Wininger judged the lifting the bar contest for kids. He is a big fan of the animal shelter.

After the contests were over, Burban told the crowd she loved the theme of the event and thanked her staff and supporters and those who attended the event, including state Sen. Ted Kennedy, Jr. She thanked him, as well as Selectman Freda for their support of animal legislation this year and for Freda’s original dance. Freda is chair of the state task force on animal welfare.

And she thanked the Judd brothers (Harvey in Guilford and Tim in Branford) for competing against each other and Wininger for underwriting the event. ​“It is such a good time and it so helps the animals.” 

Ken Engelman, a member of the shelter commission who helps produce these events, said the Bark-A-Luau was very successful, collecting $5,580.

Next: Woofstock

“Now my focus turns to Woofstock on the Branford Green and I have a national act as headliner for it this year – year three,” Engelman (pictured at the 2014 event) told the Eagle.

“Woofstock on The Branford Green” is a free all-day music festival. It takes place on Saturday, Aug. 8, from noon to 8 p.m. and includes bands, a Woofstock Hippie Dog Costume Contest, a Woof Walk, children’s activities (Moonbounce, Dunk Tank, Obstacle Course, and Hula Hooping), 70 vendors, four food trucks, special celebrity guests, and a silent auction.

All dogs are welcome at the Woodstock event, said Engelmann, the originator of Woofstock. 
###