Happily joining as a co-presenting sponsor with Bernese Builder, Whaddayaknow? was thrilled to support our local community and ALIVE Rescue‘s philanthropic efforts on Sunday, June 28. Thanks to nationwide support from online voting, sponsorships, tickets and day-of revenue, Best in Rescue 2026 raised more than $15,000 to help ALIVE Rescue save homeless animals. They remain exceedingly grateful for every vote, every share, every donation, and every ounce of support shown through this annual event.
Coupled with generous in-kind donations from Pizza Lobo and a variety of other items for the raffle, Pilot Project Brewing – Logan Square was on hand to offer delicious local pints while hosting THE event of the season.
As the CTA soared overhead the patio, esteemed guests, participants, brewery attendees, and curious sidewalk passerbys alike got to see the top 15 finalists for Best in Rescue up close and personal to strut their stuff on the red carpet. Each four-legged A-lister had their bio read aloud over their walk-out song, detailing each dog’s vibrant personality, backstories of their rescue, fostering, and adoption journeys, hopes for world peace, all while telling the tale tail of why they deserved the title of TOP DOG of 2026.
While the votes were securely tallied by the ALIVE Rescue’s local Associate Board, we hosted a quick picture round of Whaddayaknow? Free Pub Trivia for teams to identify classic dog films and fictional pets from households on television.
It was a close race, with a first-ever tie for third (broken by audience applause).
Congratulations to ALIVE Rescue Alumnus Gummy Bear: this year’s TOP DOG!
Beside Gummy Bear on the podium, and also receiving trophies and a variety of prizes from sponsors: two kind-hearted rescues named Marcellus and Joker.
Best in Show? More Like Best in (Whaddaya)Know!
Don’t worry, Whaddayaknow’s own Lily didn’t go home empty-handed. Guided by, well, a leash but also the courage of her favorite date (April 25), she asked if she could become the inaugural (but very fake and not legally binding) titleholder of Best in Rescue’s Miss Congeniality.
ALIVE Rescue wholeheartedly accepted her offer, and in return, she got a few bonus treats from her fans at the Whaddayaknow? table. She dedicates this “win” to the late Academy Award-winning Alan Arkin of Little Miss Sunshine, who reminds us all that, “A real loser is someone so afraid of not winning they don’t even try.”
Paws Interested in the Cause?
Lindsay Ritenbaugh serves as the Lead Content Strategist for Whaddayaknow? Free Pub Trivia. Coupled with a background in elementary and higher education, her Whaddayaknow? story began in 2013. She joined the Southern Comfort team of co-workers and fellow Florida/Georgia transplants at Merkle’s Bar & Grill and the rest was history! Even during a brief relocation back to Florida, Lindsay remained closely connected thanks to the company's virtual bingo and trivia offerings in 2020. She's spent the last five years playing (and hosting!) trivia throughout the Lakeview East, Lincoln Park, Southport Corridor, and Wrigleyville neighborhoods.
In her role as content lead, Lindsay now brings the fun of trivia to life by sharing stories that highlight the energy and camaraderie of the game. In addition to keeping players up to date on upcoming Whaddayaknow? events and special happenings, she channels her love of storytelling into content that resonates with both devoted trivia fans and curious newcomers alike.
Compete against Lindsay and the Washington Generals Tuesdays at The Butcher’s Tap, if you dare. Or start your own team and weekly tradition Wednesdays at Friar Tuck and/or Thursdays at Replay Lakeview, where you can experience her endearing teacher voice live on the mic.