Pets, Peeps, and Portraits for Pink on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Urban Tails

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Houston, Texas, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) September 13, 2011 -- (Houston, TX) Native Houstonian, Lori Brewer of Waterford Portraits positively impacted animal non-profit organizations with her gift of capturing the love and light of people and pets. Now, four professional photographers will hold a tribute and photography fundraiser for Brewer’s favorite charities called Pets, Peeps and Portraits for Pink on Sunday, September 18, 2011, at Urban Tails, located on 1618 Webster Street.

Her spirit courageously battled breast cancer 10 plus years ago, and her life serves as an inspiration to many. Brewer spent years as an established hair stylist and makeup artist, later changing careers to professional photography after being diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Brewer’s life always reflected beauty and elegance in every way. Travel was one of her passions, as well as enjoying the arts and animals. Brewer’s giving heart, warmth of spirit, and delicious sense of humor enriched everyone who encountered her. “She was always in a good mood and always left you smiling with her kindness,” recalls Lisa Cari of Adopt A Pet Houston.

Adopt A Pet Houston assists nonprofit dog rescue organizations with adoptions, fundraiser events, communications, and training seminars by experts to promote responsible pet ownership, pet health, dog training, behavior modification, and pet laws. Cari came across Brewer’s work at rescue groups’ annual fundraisers. Brewer was very generous with the groups and donated many gift certificates to be auctioned off to raise funds for medical treatments of homeless animals in need. Her photographic style was simple elegance and made every client and pet feel special. “She made my mixed breeds look like show dogs, and she was so patient with them to be sure to capture them at their prettiest while making them feel at ease. She had a great eye for composition,” says Cari about her first photoshoot with Brewer. She was so impressed with Brewer’s work, she highly recommended her to anyone needing a professional photographer. Brewer even shot a portrait for the cover of a national luxury magazine in 2010.

“We are saddened by her passing on July 4, 2011 due to recurrence of the breast cancer that had metastasized to her lungs and was discovered last fall just after her annual photo shoots at Houston’s pet resorts at Urban Tails, ABC Pet Resort and Bed and Biscuit in Galveston,” says Cari. That fundraising event was probably the last time that Brewer used her camera professionally as she prepared to battle cancer once more. Brewer was very modest and only shared this news with family and close friends.

Upon learning of her recurrence, her friends rallied to her side for moral support and also had some fundraisers for her and her family which included her 9 year old daughter, Anna Claire, and her husband Larry. Anna Claire carries that brightness and kindness that her mother exuded.

One of those fundraisers has now turned into a tribute. “Four of Houston’s top photographers Jack Opatrany, Sonya Sellers, Melissa Hammonds, and Kim Hartz who all specialize in family and pet photography, like Brewer did, are offering private mini sessions for $50,” says Cari. The proceeds will benefit the Breast Cancer Research organizations, Homeless & Orphaned Pets Endeavor (H.O.P.E.), Homeless Pet Placement League (H.P.P.L.), Lucky Dog Rescue, Pup Squad, Lone Star Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso Rescue, and Corridor Rescue. “Lori knew how much these groups did for the homeless pets and pets with medical needs that traditional, larger shelters turned away or euthanized instead of treating and caring for before adopters could be found. She never turned down a request for her services or gift certificates. She was very kind and generous with her talent and her time to help these smaller rescue groups that are true animal heroes,” Cari recalls.

Urban Tails Pet Resort will host the event and featuring Brewer’s work. She held an annual pet portrait event every September at Urban Tails for the dogs attending doggy daycare. Brewer’s clients will also bring and showcase their favorite portraits by Brewer over the many years that she photographed their pets. The professional photographers will offer indoor studio settings and outdoor studio settings designed by Buchanan’s Native Plants. Each photographer has a different setting/sitting style which is explained on www.portraits4pink.org.

The event will also offer prize drawings for both pet lovers and families. Jewelry such as photo frame charms and photo lockets can be ordered with private portrait session along with portrait packages, art, and other merchandise. Activities will include bra pong, pony tail donations for natural wigs for women undergoing chemotherapy, and make-overs by professional stylists from Craft Salon. Delectable treats such as pink lemonade and pink sweets from Food Network’s Just Desserts Rebecca Masson of Fluff Bake Bar.

“We prefer that families or individuals book appointments in advance so we can organize the sittings, but we will also accept walk-ins that Sunday. Appointments are from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM,” says Cari. Attendees can book an appointment by calling (713) 291-4439 or emailing Lisa@portraits4pink.org. For more information regarding adoption, volunteering, or becoming a business sponsor for this event, please send inquiries to: Lisa@adoptapethouston.org.

breast cancer     Breast Cancer Fundraiser     breast cancer fundraiser event     cats     dogs     rescue dogs     rescue group