User:BaileighD/sandbox

Mardi Paws is a parade in Covington, Louisiana that features all sorts of people and pups based on that year's theme. For many years, it took place on the Lakefront in Mandeville, Louisiana, but in 2020, it was moved to Downtown Covington. Beginning the parade in 1994, founder Denise Gutnisky, could have never known how large this organization would grow. For 27 years the parade benefitted all sorts of animal rights foundations, and currently it benefits Scott's Wish, a charity that pairs veterans with support animals. It also benefits the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, which was founded by, of course, Ian Somerhalder. Somerhalder decided to pair up with Mardi Paws not only because animals hold a special place in his heart, but also because Covington is his hometown. As his fame grew on The Vampire Diaries, so did Mardi Paws, especially when he walked in the parade. Thousands of fan would show up to support the parade with hopes of meeting Ian. In 2016, he brought his wife, Nikki Reed, so even Twilight fans showed up to meet her. Before the move to Covington, the parade was held right near his brother's restaurant, McClain's Pizzeria on the Lakefront, so fans would wait there for him as well, especially since he once brought his ex girlfriend, Nina Dobrev, there for a visit. The parade's notoriety grew so large, another event, Mutts to Models, is now also held in its name. This year, 2021, Mutts to Models will be benefitting the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Foundation, in honor of Somerhalder's father, Robert Somerhalder. Robert has been treated for his cancer twice by Mary Bird Perkins. As Mardi Paws continues to grow, so will the awareness about protecting animals, which is all anyone involved could ever want.