Downtown Dog Group’s Bone Appétit

Bob & Donna Frankland

Story & Photography by Chelsea-Catherine Croom

Bone Appétit, the main fundraiser for the Downtown Dogs Group, was held on Sunday, October 15 at the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market. It was an evening filled with good food and music for a good cause for the organization’s fifth annual event.

Jackson’s own internationally renowned singer-songwriter, Grammy-award winner, LOLO, provided an evening of soulful, high-energy music, in a beautiful setting — a grand piano in the center of one of Jackson’s most beloved spaces. She filled the heart of the city with her beautiful and powerful voice. Adding to Lauren’s exciting energy, the event also presented celebrity chef Nick Wallace,Executive Chef and Culinary Curator at the Mississippi Museum of Art, in Jackson, Mississippi. Wallace, a James Beard chef, combines his classical French training with his soul-food roots to create his own style he calls “Modern Mississippian.” Only two days after the event was held, Wallace was featured on an episode of Food Network’s “Chopped: Alton’s Challenge.” Martha Foose, the celebrity chef from Bone Appetit’s inaugural year, was present. Foose is the author of the best-selling cookbooks “A Southerly Course” and “Screen Doors and Sweet Tea,” and her work was featured in the movie “The Help.” Celebrity pet expert Harrison Forbes, also a guest at the event, made several announcements.

It was an amazing evening that brought funds and awareness to the Downtown Dogs Group, which is a non-profit, no-kill dog rescue that focuses on the types of dogs that are frequently considered “unadoptable” for reasons such as age, medical issues, temperament or breed issues. They commit all their resources to spaying/neutering, vetting, rehabilitating and adopting these dogs, as well as providing a sanctuary for those dogs who ultimately require extra care. While they now serve the Jackson area and surrounding communities, their first rescues were in the downtown area. For more information about the Downtown Dogs Group, please visit www.downtowndogsgroup.org.