Steve Barber & Debra Henry

Mara Clark, Ana Simpson, Marta Garza & Claudia Chica

Denise Bailey & Sue Smith

Whitney Lee & Renee Launiere

I

t’s always a magnifi cent thing when people of the community 
come together for a worthy cause such as the charity event 
“Diamond in the Ruff,” held at Bijoux De Mer in Destin. The 
event benefi ted Dog Harmony, the volunteer-run non-profi t 

organization made up of passionate and determined problem-solving 
dog lovers who want to make a difference using personalized and 
ongoing education, support, and training for people and dogs.

The highlight of the evening was the chance to win a 1 carat, 

round, GIA certifi ed, brilliant diamond valued at over $8,000! Other 
amazing raffl e prizes were giving away throughout out the evening as 
well, with it all being made possible by awesome donors including, 
Ana Simpson Fine Art, Frillseekers, The Dressing Room, Pure and 

Couture Salon, Bijoux Restaurant, Barry Veterinary, Orange Theory, 
Gulf Shore Air-conditioning, Escapology and Village Door. 

Delicious hors d’oeuvres were provided by Cuvee Kitchen, while 

guests got their drink on with cocktails by Tito’s vodka and Timber 
Creek Distillery, and mouthwatering desserts from the Melting Pot. 
The Emcee for the evening was Whitney Lee from Lee IMC. After a 
nail biting moment, Sidney Jacobsen was announced as the winner of 
the beautiful diamond piece. Before the end of the event Nancy Bown, 
the Founder of Dog Harmony thanked her guests and expressed how 
grateful she was for their support. Bown also gave the audience a 
brief rundown of the organization and explained how Dog Harmony 
differed from other shelters in the area. 

Diamond in the Ruff

photos & story by

 

Zhalman Harris

Charlene Kelley & Todd Reeves

   VIP Destin at Bijoux De Mer

76     |    VIPDestinMagazine.com

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12/27/18   7:01 PM