COCOA, Fla. | Five drag queens will take the stage at the first annual Queens for Canines fundraising event Nov. 19. Hosted by Hounds Town USA at the Space Coast Convention Center in Cocoa, the event will help to raise money for local dog rescues with 100% of ticket sales going to Furever Home Animal Rescue, Inc., Riley’s Rescue of Brevard, SPCA of Brevard and Touch of Grey Rescue.
In an all inclusive space for the LGBTQ community and people who have a natural passion for animals, Hounds Town business owner Leslie Bottesch welcomes residents to participate in the fun.
“We want love to be the main goal,” Bottesch says. “And loving animals and not wanting animals hurt or in a shelter or put down is something we all have in common.”
Hounds Town USA is a franchise doggy daycare and boarding that was founded by New York City Police Department canine unit member Michael Gould. Bottesch says that Hounds Town’s goal is to create a comfortable environment for the dogs.
“Our mission with the dogs is to allow them to have natural behaviors, to have fun and to create a well-balanced dog by allowing them to have an environment to which they are themselves. They can do natural pack behaviors, they can get out excess energy and then they can respond better to their owners.” Bottesch says.
Queens for Canines will feature energetic performances from Raquel Markstone, Josie Milan, Bridgette Galore, Azhia Li Kingade and Angelica Kincade. There will also be raffle prizes that were donated by local organizations.
The event also marks the 2-year anniversary for Space Coast Hounds Town USA’s grand opening.
Bottesch and her business-partner Jane Banke were both teachers before becoming business owners. They had dedicated their time in creating the first brain research based preschool in Brevard County in 2004. While working with therapy dogs, Bottesch says that they realized that there was no local organization equipped enough to help integrate these dogs back into society, so they decided to do it themselves.
Bottesch says that she has always been an active member in the LGBTQ community and that she is excited to be able to create an event that brings awareness for both causes that she cares so much for. When creating this event, Bottesch wanted something that not only practiced levity and fun, but also encouraged love and acceptance to those who participate.
“It’s like seeing a vision come to light,” she says.
Queens for Canines is Nov. 19 at the Space Coast Convention Center in Cocoa. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the event is for individuals 18 years and older. Tickets are $35 each and are available here.
