New York, NY, July 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A group of feline fashion “mewdels” will take to the runway (held safely in the arms of their owners) in one-of-a-kind outfits designed by certified animal fashion designer Ada Nieves , in celebration of Hamlet VIII, The Algonquin Cat, the hotel’s famous feline resident.

The Annual Celebration & Cat Fashion Show will take place on Thursday, August 2 nd , from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the unique New York hotel , The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection. This year's theme celebrates “The Purring 20’s”, the time of the great authors and celebrities who frequented the hotel’s famous Round Table. It also marks the official party debut of Hamlet, a young American Shorthair ginger cat who reigns over the Front Desk and observes from his own private treehouse, endearing himself to hotel guests and visitors alike, with warm greetings.

Highlights of the evening will include:

  • Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and desserts
  • The Cat Fashion Show
  • A silent auction, featuring a variety of items, including Pet Tree Houses and Sleepypods, amongst other great pet treats, toys and cat foods
  • An on-site mobile adoption unit, that will be in front of the hotel that day from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Additional funds will be raised throughout the evening with raffle prizes, including a variety of pet products curated by the event’s co-chair, Pet Lifestyle Expert and author, Sandy Robins .

Tickets are available for $75 per person, which includes the reception and fashion show. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals . For additional information, to purchase tickets or to bid on Silent Auction items, visit www.501auctions.com/algonquincelebration .

Guests can also view advance copies of the new illustrated book, Hamlet – The Algonquin Cat, by Lesley Martini, with illustrations by Massimo Mongiardo, scheduled for release in September 2018.

Guests are encouraged to wear their best feline-inspired outfit from The Purring 20’s and share photos from the event on social media using the hashtag #AlgonquinCat .

ABOUT THE ALGONQUIN CAT For many years the history of The Algonquin Cat was believed to have its origins in the 1930’s when a hungry stray cat came wandering into the hotel for food and water. After the hotel acquired an out-of-print book written by the hotel’s first general manager, Frank Case, a chapter was discovered about a cat named Billy. Based on the timeline of the book, the hotel is now proud to say the lineage of The Algonquin Cat dates back to the early 1920's. Two days after Billy passed, another stray cat wandered into the hotel and The Algonquin welcomed Rusty. The famous classical actor, John Barrymore, was a resident at the time in the early 1930's, and Rusty was renamed Hamlet in his honor. Hamlet is said to have been Barrymore's greatest stage role. The hotel has had a total of 12 cats, including Billy. The lineage includes eight Hamlets and three Matildas. Each cat that has reigned at The Algonquin has been a rescue. The current Hamlet began his residence in July 2017 with short visits with guests until he became comfortable in his surroundings. In fact, Hamlet has become so personable and engaging with guests that he has earned the nickname, “Hammy”. He loves a good nuzzle behind the ears and is curious about everything and everyone. Today, Hamlet is looked after by the hotel’s Chief Cat Officer, Alice De Almeida. The hotel’s executive chef cooks him special meals on holidays. He receives fan mail and gifts constantly, from around the world. He has recently been the subject of a painting that hangs above the Front Desk, by New York artist Marcus Pierno. Hamlet can be found on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram . He can also be reached via email: hamletalgonquincat@algonquinhotel.com .

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Hotel Contact: kathleen.duffy@marriott.com 347-885-7277

Attachments

The Algonquin Hotel Times Square, Autograph Collection 59 West 44th Street, New York, New York 10036 USA +1 212-840-6800 https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/nycak-...ollection/