Page 6 - Flip Book Demo Top 20 Invitational

6 G.R.C.A. TOP TWENTY INVITATIONAL

The Golden Retriever Review was first introduced at the American
Kennel Club Centennial Show in 1984, and was the first published by
Paul Lepiane and Bo Bengston for Afghans and Poodles and felt that
Goldens deserved a glossy publication that offered an international lens
through which to view and celebrate the breed. After two years, it was
time to expand the offerings for Goldens and the concept of the Top
Twenty Invitational was next on the “to do” list.
I explored and developed a competition modeled after what already
existed in Dobermans and Great Danes at that point. Goldens had
become one of the most competitive breeds at the shows, winning and
placing in the Sporting Group more frequently than other breeds at the
time. The presentation of dogs had reached an advanced level for both
professional and amateurs. The intent was to pay tribute to the efforts of
the breeders, owners and handlers and create a showcase to highlight the
level of excellence they had achieved.

All Goldens that ranked in the top 20 of either the breed or all breed
system in The Golden Retriever Review based on wins recorded in the
July 1986 issue through the June 1987 issue of the American Kennel
Club Awards would be eligible to compete. The event was to be hold in
Poughkeepsie, NY, in conjunction with the GRCA National Specialty.
Invitations were sent to the owners of all eligible Goldens in July to
allow time for those intending to complete to make travel plans. Barbara
Pepper assisted us with scheduling a night to host the event and making
the necessary arrangements with the hotel.

Sylvia Donahey offered to handle the design and production of the cata-
log for us. In true Sylvia fashion she created a gorgeous keepsake with
gold embossed lettering on wine-colored stock with each dog getting a
full page with a photo dedicated to them. Attendance was initially
limited to 100, the ticket cost was $20, and it was billed as black tie
optional with a prize of $500 going to the winner. The response was so
overwhelming that there ended up with 300 in attendance with an addi-
tional 50 on a waiting list.