Marley digs in for some fun at canine charity event in Florida

It's good to see the various liquidations of businesses connected to Ely Property group founder Philip Marley, of whom you can read plenty more elsewhere in today's business supplement, aren't getting him down.

Marley popped up in recent weeks at a charity event in Florida alongside his partner, former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills television personality Dana Wilkey. The bark brunch event, in aid of the Animal Welfare Society of South Florida, was held at the plush Standard hotel on Miami beach.

A bark brunch is like a normal brunch except you bring along your dog and, if you’re not an American society figure with a pooch in your handbag, some smelling salts to bring you round after you witness some of the caper.

For guests on two legs, there were “bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys”. For those on four legs there was a doggie buffet table. The entertainment also included a “smooch-a-pooch booth”, whatever that is, and a best trick contest.

Marley’s legion of burnt creditors will no doubt be delighted to know that himself and Wilkey helped raise pots of cash. According to one gushing local media account, “the sizzling brunch raised thousands that will directly benefit south Florida pets”. The entry fee was $50 per head (mutt included), with Wilkey the main attraction.

Ely, which operated a number of student apartment blocks in Ireland and Britain prior to the crash, is currently in liquidation, and is the subject of a number of court actions. Collins Garcia, the liquidator, has described the affairs of the company as “Byzantine”, and recently told creditors it would contact the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.

If only somebody would throw Marley’s creditors a bone.