The Puppy Cup 2026 Partners With Lucy’s Project to Protect Women, Children and Pets
The Puppy Cup is back for its third edition, offering a kinder, animal-focused alternative to the traditional Melbourne Cup season. Founded by actress, designer, and entrepreneur Crystal Lynn, the annual philanthropic evening hosted by fine jewellery Maison Mon Petit Amour brings together animal lovers, philanthropists, social champions, and celebrities to raise vital funds for animal welfare.
This year, The Puppy Cup has announced national charity Lucy’s Project as its 2026 featured charity partner. All auction and raffle proceeds from the glamorous gala will go directly toward supporting safety and raising awareness for women, children, and their pets escaping family violence.
The partnership comes through Manolo’s Little Legacy, the philanthropic arm of Mon Petit Amour.
Why This Issue Matters
The intersection between pet care and domestic safety is a critical issue across Australia:
- 73% of Australian households own a pet.
- 1 in 4 women have experienced domestic violence.
- Very little crisis accommodation currently accepts animals.
In August 2026, Lucy’s Project launched its National Roadmap for Change to Prevent and End Family Violence against People and Animals at Australian Parliament House, setting out 33 recommendations for national reform.
Monique Dam, CEO of Lucy’s Project, highlighted the urgent need for safe options:
"People who use domestic and family violence will often threaten to harm, harm or even kill animals to intimidate the women and children who love them. Women and children who fear for the safety and wellbeing of their animals will often delay leaving a partner or parent using violence, if they do not have anywhere safe to live together."
"Lucy's Project is delighted to be partnering with Mon Petit Amour Manolo for the Puppy Cup. It's such a heartwarming way to celebrate the love between people and their fur babies, and to send a strong message to the community that we stand with all victim-survivors of domestic and family violence — including women, children and animals."
Crystal Lynn, Founder of Mon Petit Amour and The Puppy Cup, shared her vision behind the event:
"I don't imagine one event changes the world. I think of it more as a soft ripple. I wanted to find another language for advocacy — to create something beautiful and joyful, but with meaning underneath it. We are very proud to be supporting Lucy's Project this year, whose work sits precisely at the intersection between animal welfare and domestic violence. Animals are frequently caught within patterns of coercion and abuse directed at people."
What to Expect On the Night
The third edition of The Puppy Cup takes place on Sunday, 1 November 2026, at the InterContinental Sydney Double Bay as an intimate gathering of around 50 guardians, philanthropists, and animal-welfare leaders.
Guests will hear special addresses from The Hon. Emma Hurst MLC, Crystal Lynn, and Monique Dam.
Event Highlights:
- Best-Dressed Canine Catwalk & live music
- Live Portraiture by artist Grace Chow, plus a limited number of live portrait sittings with renowned Australian artist Charles Billich
- Pet Communicator live readings
- Gourmet Dining for both human guests and four-legged companions (including dog-friendly cake pops, canapés, and champagne-flute treats!)
- Charity Raffle featuring an InterContinental holiday package, a glamping escape, a Casa Grain wine collection, gold-leaf sparkling wine, and a top-of-the-range Mon Petit Amour Manolo lead.
Event & Ticket Details
- When: Sunday, 1 November 2026, from 5:30pm-8:30pm
- Where: InterContinental Sydney, 33 Cross Street
Double Bay, NSW 2028 - Tickets & Info: Secure your tickets and learn more at www.thepuppycup.com
Bringing Your Dog?
One dog is included with each paid guest ticket. Dog places are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Dogs are very welcome to join us; we simply ask that they remain on a leash throughout the event.
Dietary Requirements
Please let us know if you or your pup have any dietary requirements so we can accommodate these where possible.
About the Organisers & Charity
- The Puppy Cup & Mon Petit Amour: Mon Petit Amour is a Sydney-based fine jewellery Maison founded by designer Crystal Lynn, handcrafted by artisans in Japan and a Paris-based couturier in 18k gold, platinum, diamonds, and Akoya pearls. Its annual event, The Puppy Cup, directs funds through Manolo's Little Legacy to support human and animal family safety. Learn more at www.monpetitamour.com.
- Lucy’s Project: A national charity driving evidence-based reform to keep people and animals safe from domestic violence through its CARE approach (Collaboration, Advocacy, Research, and Education). Learn more at www.lucysproject.com.
Photo Credit: Hero shot - Helena Lopes (Pexels-4453156) - All supplied
