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January 18, 2016 by

Saturday was a bit out of the ordinary for SP Kennel. Instead of being on the frozen Kusko River racing sled dogs (which wasn’t on the SP Kennel racing calendar this season), Aliy and Moira flew to Anchorage early in the morning. Allen and Chris stayed home to train dogs.

With amazing assistance (and lots of encouragement) from our good friend Barbara, Aliy and Moira were whisked straight from the airport to an evening gown store to choose their ball gowns. Then it was off to Kyle at 119 @ 4th Avenue Hair Salon for their “up-do’s” and makeup. After finding appropriate dress shoes, evening clutches and jewelry… they were ready for the ‘Fire and Ice Ball’, the annual major fundraiser for Covenant House Alaska.

That’s right! A dog musher can dress up once in a while.


Strike a pose!

SP Kennel and Matson (SPK’s lead sponsor) have a great history with Covenant House. For many years, Aliy and Allen would travel to Anchorage, visit with kids and do an evening sled dog presentation. Horizon Lines, now Matson, was the sponsor of the Covenent House for those presentation days. Aliy kept in contact with several kids and even had one young woman help the SP Kennel Red Team on 4th Avenue at the Iditarod start. Aliy and Allen have always tried to stay in touch with Alison Kear, Executive Director, a big dog mushing fan. We enjoy the relationship and the link between the kids of Covenent House and SP Kennel.

The evening was a spetacular event with a Rio Carnival theme and a great deal of money was raised. There were silent auctions with amazing items up for grabs. Matson shipping sponsored a table at the ball and Aliy and Moira were very happy to join Matson’s Alaska Vice President, Kenny Gill and his wife, Michele, (right) at the special event.

What a fantastic evening for a stupendous cause!

The Covenant House has a Vision to Help Homeless Kids.

“Our job is to protect the rights of young people … to fight for these rights … to speak for those who have no voice of their own.

Covenant House doesn’t forget about all the kids who are no longer here because no one cared – we hold their memory in our hearts while moving forward in our efforts to help all the scared and lonely kids who are still out there waiting.“

The strangest part of the evening was how people who knew Aliy very well just didn’t recognise her in a gown and “up-do”. She sat down with several long-time supporters who looked at her in a daze simply saying “It’s good to see you…” Aliy had to say… “Hey… it’s me… Aliy.” The response was usually “Oh my Gosh! Where’s your red beanie?”

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27 Responses

  • You ladies look loverly! Must've felt a bit odd, right at the beginning of mushing season.

  • You two are true Worldly Ladies!!! At home in icy trails as well as in a world of glamour!!! Very nice!!! 💖💝

  • Sure beat front bite on the Kusko (read about that recently) if for a good cause, which this surely is!!!

    Bravo, Aliy and Moira (not in NZ!!!), stepping out in Allen's "Black Team" outfits!!!

    Woof, woof, woof!!!

    Go Matson!!!

  • What a great cause and you both look great even without the red beanie! Seriously though, isn't the smile as famous as the beanie? Welcome back Moira!

  • Wow! Aliy & Moira look so lovely–Thanks for the pic and the
    cause for which is so needed these days. Thanks Matson also!

  • You look marvelous….I think an SPK Black Beanie would have gone with that gown no problem!! Wonder if the dogs would have recognized you?! Great cause to support!!!

  • What a fantastic cause to support, and thanks also to Matson/Horizon Lines for always being such great supporters of SP Kennel. Of course both ladies look lovely but then again they also look lovely when bundled up in winter parkas too. Must be a testament to good living. Hearty welcome back to Alaska to Moira, hope it wasn't too summery and warm when you left NZ. Glad to have you back in the northern hemisphere for the upcoming big races.

  • Wowie Zowie. I always thought you were gorgeous in mushing gear – IMO, we now have proof you can compete with the modeling world too.

    I have to admit I was a little confused at seeing your companion. Who is that lovely lady to the right? Oh my gosh, that's Moira out of her typical work day clothes!

    Matson is well represented here in HI and I even saw an old Horizon cargo container in their lot at Kahului.

  • Too bad Northern outfitters doesn't have an evening wear division. you and Moira would be perfect spokesmodels. Looking sooo good.

  • I have been asked to do a presentation about my dog sled trip out of Bettles in 2001. It was arranged by Fred Christen for his wife Sharon. Because of Fred's admiration of you, I have followed your racing ever since. I wish you and Allen the very best this year.
    Joan Palmer.

  • Amazing, ladies & for a great cause. Welcome back Moria. What a treat to spend such a special day. I agree with above comment, everyone should recognize your smile, Ally.

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