Their faces are known throughout the south of the island, either as themselves or as impersonators such as Elvis, Billy Idol or Amy Winehouse. But now, all in the interest of helping the animal charity K9, they have been upstaged by their pets. And no-one minds at all.
It’s been four years since K9 produced their last calendar which, following the trend of the day, portrayed volunteers minus their clothes but their modesty still intact.
The 2009 calendar is rather less risqué but is proving a collectors’ item all the same. At the time of going to press, it’s more than likely that the limited edition of 200 calendars at five euros each has been sold out and thoughts are turning to an A3 poster to bridge the gap.
The calendar has involved a great deal of hard work, not least from K9 administrator Stephen Dodgson and his wife Cathy.
At the launch night at Cheers bar in Los Cristianos, Stephen explained: “We’ve been very conscious of the fact that it’s been a difficult year for everyone so didn’t want to set our hopes too high. But the calendar has been a fantastic success and the reaction has been wonderful.”
The decision to produce a 2009 calendar was taken some months ago in order to raise some much needed funds for the animals in K9’s care. Entertainers and their pets seemed a great theme and, indeed, one of the difficult decisions was whom to choose and whom to disappoint.
Finding a photographer was also vital but as it turned out, K9 has been helped by two, both through The Tenerife Forum (www.thetenerifeforum.com).
Gordon Bamber is a very keen amateur photographer who has produced some stunning photos of Tenerife since he moved here a few years ago and Nicki Attree is a professional photographer (you can see a selection from her portfolio on www.tenerife-photography.com). Both gave their services free of charge.
Cats, dogs and even an iguana feature on the calendar with an entertainer and their pet for each month. They are John Sharples with Samantha, Paul Stone (Billy Idol) with Emilio, Cy Benson with Buster, Miss Crystal Starr with Sadie and Sal, Avril Taylor with Annie, Simon King with namesake Elvis, Mark Turver with Jeff, Mel Faulkner with Gizmo, Dee Daniels with Bowie and Orphy, Rebecca Malone with Bud, Simply Mo with Oscar and Karen Kennedy with Chloe.
K9 also found the designers and printers, Mark and Richie from Think Design, through The Tenerife Forum and then set out to find sponsors. They are Protectapet, Noeline and Gerry Murphy (The Chieftain, Temple Bar and Irish Fiddler), Crown Leisure (Harley’s Restaurant, La Fortaleza and James Brasserie), The Wigan Pier, Mrs Brownhill, Motorworld, Hotel Playa Sur in El Médano, Launderette Services, The Hole in the Wall, Cheers Bar, The Tenerife Forum and Roy’s Pizza and Indian Tandoori.
K9 would like to thank all the sponsors and everyone involved in the project for their fantastic support and all who went along to the launch evening. Because the calendar had all its costs met by the sponsors, selling all 200 will bring in 1,000 euros, together with the cash raised on the night through a raffle, etc.
Stephen would like to hear from anyone who would like an A3 poster version of the calendar as the response will dictate how many are printed.
The charity is also looking to set up a separate fund-raising sub-committee and would be very grateful for ideas or volunteers. You can make contact with Stephen on 699 563 715.
List of forthcoming events for K9 Tenerife
Saturday, 8th November – Nearly New Sale at Scoobies, Callao Salvaje (morning)
Friday, 21st November – Charity Auction at a venue to be confirmed, possibly Flicks in Costa del Silencio (evening)
Sunday, 30th November - Friends of the Animals Car Boots Sale (morning)
Saturday, 6th December – K9 Tenerife Annual Dinner Dance
Sunday, 7th December – CANCELLED - K9 Car Boot Sale at Pleasure Island (due to Dinner Dance the night before!)
Saturday, 13th December - Nearly New Sale at Scoobies, Callao Salvaje (morning)
Sunday, 14th December – Possible Sponsored Dive (more details to follow)
Friday, 19th December - Charity Auction at a venue to be confirmed
Sunday, 28th December - Friends of the Animals Car Boots Sale (morning)
Contact Pat the Cat (608 121 081) for more details or if you would like to hold an event for us at your business!
Images and text controlled and edited by Seven Islands Media Group s.l., edition 362
JONATHAN POWER'S
Their faces are known throughout the south of the island, either as themselves or as impersonators such as Elvis, Billy Idol or Amy Winehouse. But now, all in the interest of helping the animal charity K9, they have been upstaged by their pets. And no-one minds at all.
minus their clothes but their modesty still intact.