About

ABOUT THE PUPPY CUP

​

The Puppy Cup was born far from any racetrack. While travelling in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Crystal Ann Lynn, founder of Mon Petit Amour Manolo (a luxury dog collar and accessories brand), encountered a rescue dog whose adoption had come from a charity gala war-bid. The dog's new owner described the experience as fun, joyful, beautifully done, and deeply meaningful.

​

Crystal's beloved companion, Manolo, was also a rescue dog. This detail gave the moment deeper meaning and quietly shaped what The Puppy Cup would become.

 

FROM A SPARK TO A MOVEMENT

 

From that single story, The Puppy Cup began to take shape. Crystal brought the idea home to Australia and reimagined it through a local lens: a cruelty-free race day and a philanthropic movement that reframes how communities gather. Not around wagering or spectacle, but around compassion, connection and purpose.

​

The result is The Puppy Cup: a joyful celebration in support of Lucy's Project, a charity dedicated to ending the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty — with rescue dogs bringing warmth, joy and connection to the cause.

​

​

AN ETHICAL ANSWER TO THE MELBOURNE CUP

 

The Puppy Cup is Mon Petit Amour Manolo's answer to that formative memory and an elegant, ethical, Australian re-imagining of the Melbourne Cup.

There is:

• No racing

• No wagering

• No harm

Instead, there is refined style, community celebration, rescue dogs bringing the room together, and meaningful support for Lucy's Project's vital work ending the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. It's Cup Day redefined.

​

​

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

 

The Puppy Cup is designed to feel familiar, yet entirely different.

On the day, you can expect:

​

🐾 Bring Your Dogs

Well-behaved dogs are warmly welcomed and treated like honoured guests, with dog-friendly canapés and thoughtful touches created just for them.

 

🐶 Rescue Puppies To Meet

Rescue Puppies to Meet Rescue puppies join the celebration for relaxed meet-and-greets — playful moments designed to showcase their personalities and warm every guest's heart.

 

🎶 Live Music & Entertainment

✨ Inspiring guest speakers
✨ Live harp music & a candlelit courtyard
✨ Door prize for best dressed
✨ Live artist portraits by Grace Choi
✨ Your chance to have your portrait painted by world-renowned artist Charles Billich
✨ Dog massage & animal communicator
✨ Photo booth fun for you and your pup

​

🥂Champagne & Canapés (for you and your pup)

Enjoy free flowing drinks and beautifully prepared canapés in a relaxed, social setting that invites connection, conversation and celebration.

 

🤍 Impact That Matters
Every raffle ticket sold goes towards Lucy's Project's vital work ending the link between domestic violence and animal cruelty. On the day, our raffle offers the chance to win a range of incredible prizes — including a holiday and a Mon Petit Amour Manolo lead, and more. 

​

🌸 Dress for the Occasion
Cocktail attire — think spring florals, colour and Cup Day style, with a playful Puppy Cup twist.

​

​

WHAT WE STAND FOR

 

Ethical celebration: Tradition can evolve. Celebration doesn't need to come at a cost.

Purpose first: Every Puppy Cup event exists to support Lucy's Project and its vital work.

Joy with purpose: Fun and impact are not opposites — they're partners.

Transparency and care: Support raised through The Puppy Cup is directed with clarity, responsibility and respect.