On March 19, 2025, McGuireWoods Consulting vice president Sara Bianca’s Red Dog Blue Dog event celebrated its 10th anniversary.
The event features Florida lawmakers, both Republican and Democratic, bartending and competing for tips to fundraise money for local animal rescue efforts.
The event raised nearly $50,000 this year, with Republican lawmakers triumphing this year, trumping Democratic lawmakers by only $2,170. Funds were also raised by other Florida public affairs firms, as well as corporate sponsors like Anheuser-Busch, TECO and Moffit Cancer Center.
The funds support three local animal shelters: the Animal Shelter Foundation, the Leon County Humane Society and Last Hope Rescue. All three beneficiaries walked away from the event with over $16,000 for their cause.
These shelters use the raised funds to spay and neuter dogs in shelters as well as provide care for dogs in foster homes.
Bianca founded this event in 2015, combining her passion for animals with her connections in Florida legislature for a good cause.
“I am passionate about animals and before I had kids, frequently fostered dogs in my home,” Bianca said. “I wanted to raise money for this cause and knew an easy way to do that would be to create an event during session when a lot of people are in town and looking for things to do in the evenings.
“We raised funds for a good cause and combined it with a fun night that people love to attend,” Bianca said. “It was a success in my book!”
