Frequent P&C readers know how your kind host feels about dressing up pets. However, this is for a good cause, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and we make exceptions here for that kind of thing. There’s a lengthy release to go with this, which will continue after the jump. In the meantime, let’s get started:

What do Italian gelato and dogs in festive apparel have in common? They’re both part of a highly original contest that doubles as a fundraiser for the internationally accredited nonprofit guide dog school Guiding Eyes for the Blind, headquartered in Yorktown Heights.

Dog owners across the country are challenged to “unleash your imagination” by conjuring a flavor name of gelato (Italy’s renowned version of ice cream) suggested by the appearance and personality of their canine friend when attired in a party hat or other fun doggie garb. Contest entrants submit their dog’s “flavor name”, an uploaded photograph of their dog in costume, and a $20 entry donation to www.dogsinpartyhats.com.

Here are Michelle Brier of Katonah, with Dina, and Danielle Whitmarsh of Carmel, with Toby, at ViaVanti Restaurant & Gelateria in Mount Kisco to launch “Dogs in Party Hats.”

The web site includes a full description of the contest, entry procedure and prizes, as well as photographic examples of festively appareled dogs with matching gelato flavor names such as “Marshmallow Fluffer Lover,” “King of the Rocky Road” and “Toasted Almond Joyful.” The contest entry fee goes in its entirety to Guiding Eyes for the Blind as a donation.

The contest entry period ends at midnight EST, Dec. 15, 2009. Twelve winners, to be announced in early January 2010, will each receive:

-The high honor of having a gelato Flavor-of-the-Month created by contest sponsor Via Vanti! Restaurant and Gelateria (Mount Kisco, NY) in the spirit of their entry
-A professional photographic portrait of their dog in costume, with a framed copy enshrined for a year on a doggie “Wall of Fame” at Via Vanti!
-A festive “party dog gift pack” for each winning canine, courtesy of Just Dogs! Gourmet™ (Mount Kisco, NY)
-A “Year of Gelato” gift card good for a pint of “amazing” (ZAGAT®) gelato at Via Vanti! (Mount Kisco, NY) for each month of 2010.

“Guiding Eyes for the Blind is a serious enterprise, one that’s about bringing greater hope and freedom to the lives of blind and visually impaired people. But all dogs – whether they be service dogs or pets – bring much joy to their owners, so we see this upbeat initiative as a wonderful fit,” says Lisa Deutsch, Vice President, Marketing and Development at Guiding Eyes.

The “Dogs in Party Hats” contest and fundraiser was conceived by Carla Gambescia, founder and owner of the acclaimed Via Vanti! Restaurant and Gelateria in the historic Mount Kisco, NY train station. “This contest is all about creativity, community and fun,” says Ms Gambescia. “I hope it’s something that parents and kids and even schools will get involved with. There’s still a place for imagination and lightness and frivolity in the world, especially when it helps out a cause like Guiding Eyes.”