HOUSTON PHOTOGRAPHER, BRETT CHISHOLM, PROJECT RUNWAY WINNER, CHLOE DAO AND DESIGNER ELAINE TURNER PRESENT THE SNAPSHOTS CELEBRATION AND THIRD ANNUAL FASHION SHOW BENEFITING SNAP!

Houston, we have a problem!  While cities across the nation brace for a tough economy, Houstonians are faced with not only dealing with the current financial crisis, but also struggling to rebuild a city devastated by Hurricane Ike.  Perhaps some of the hardest-hit are Houston’s animals.  Shelters are filled to capacity and the financial struggles of their owners leave many without appropriate medical care. 

One Houston charity, SNAP, is doing all they can to help these animals by providing free and low cost services to those who need it most in the community.  Through a unique mobile clinic program and low-cost surgery and wellness centers, SNAP is making it possible for animals to get the appropriate care, regardless of their owner’s ability to pay. In addition, SNAP is helping to break the cycle of animal overpopulation by making it easier for animal owners to spay and neuter their animals, ending many of the unwanted births that inundate area shelters.

To help SNAP better serve Houston, Brett Chisholm, Project Runway Winner, Chloe Dao and popular handbag designer Elaine Turner are once again joining forces to present the SNAPshots Celebration and Fashion Show! Every dollar raised from the event will enable SNAP to expand services and provide additional free community resources.

The event is being held on December 5, 2008 from 7 p.m. till 11 p.m. at Houston Studios, 707 Walnut, in Houston.  The event features an exclusive fashion show, great food, dancing and a popular silent auction featuring great finds from Houston’s finest retailers, restaurants, boutiques and more.

Presented by Capital One, the spectacular fashion show, produced by Élan Rogers of Élan Styles, features the work of Project Runway winner Chloe Dao and handbag designer Elaine Turner. Strutting their stuff down the runway and showcasing key pieces from Dao's collection throughout the venue will be top models from Houston's premiere fashion agencies Neal Hamil Models and Page.713 Models and Talent.

“The SNAPshots Celebration is a great way to celebrate SNAP’s successes while also raising much-needed funds to expand programs,” said Brett Chisholm, SNAP Honorary Board Member and owner of Brett Chisholm Photography.  “In times of financial struggle, SNAP offers opportunities for Houstonians to make an impact, regardless of the amount donated.  Each dollar helps us reduce overpopulation and improve the overall welfare of all of Houston’s animals, while at the same time proving financial relief to animal owners throughout the city. “

“We are thrilled to be involved with this event for the second year,” said Chloe Dao.  “In Texas, animals are part of our families and every family should have the same access to low-cost health options for their animal companion.”

“The mission of SNAP is to prevent the suffering and death of cats and dogs due to overpopulation, especially in low-income areas,” Chisholm added.  “Because of overpopulation in Texas, more than half a million animals are euthanized annually at a cost of over $20 million dollars. These figures do not include animals that are abandoned and die from starvation, disease, or trauma. Failure to sterilize animal companions is a major cause of animal overpopulation. Providing these resources to the community is a key to breaking the cycle of overpopulation.”

The SNAPshots Celebration and Fashion Show would not be possible without the generous support of the following individuals and organizations: Cat Walk Sponsors CapitalOne and Silver Eagle Distributors L.P.  Haute Couture Sponsors Continental Airlines, Pride International and SNAP Board of Directors. Paparazzi Sponsors include Barefoot Wine, Merial Ltd. and Toddy Blends. Additional sponsors include Catering by George; Louis and Mary Lou Fernandez; Fort Dodge Animal Health; Houston Coca-Cola Bottling Company; Houston PetTalk Magazine; Roger and Phyllis Sherman and Sunny 99.1 KODA-FM.  Special thanks go out to Brett Chisholm Photography, Chloe Dao/LOT8, Élan Rogers/Élan Styles, Elaine Turner and Makeup by Wendy.

Please join SNAP and friends in becoming a part of the solution to the animal overpopulation crisis in Houston by attending this festive, worthwhile party! To learn more or reserve your tickets now, visit www.snapus.org.