Worthy Causes: A Doggone Good Time!

For once, it won't be crass to say your date was a dog. That’s because guests are invited to bring their four-legged friends with them to the ninth-annual Sugar & Champagne Affair benefiting the Washington Humane Society. The bubbly will be unleashed, with prosecco, cava, Champagne and American sparklers. The sugar will be bountiful, with confections from some of DC’s sweetest spots and top restaurants, including, Buzz Bakery, Co Co. Sala, CityZen and Volt. The Beltway’s top pastry pros will be on hand, so you can collect a few secret recipes from TV tart David Guas of Damgoodsweet. Speaking of recipes, the always-popular event at the Ritz-Carlton will feature two of DC’s best mixologists. Gina Chersevani of PS 7’s and Simo Ahmadi of Equinox Restaurant are as passionate about their spirited concoctions as many dog lovers are about their pooches. And if your sweet tooth fails you? Host and chef Todd Gray of Equinox will be serving some sensational savory bites. It promises to be a memorable evening, and if anyone gets out of hand they may end up in the dog house, literally.

Jan. 27, 6PM-7:30PM. Tickets $90-150. The Ritz-Carlton, 1150 22nd St., NW. washhumane.org.