The sold-out 15th annual Wags and Whiskers Gala boasts an evening of dinner, silent and live auctions, raffle draws and other entertaining surprises, all in support of the Cochrane and Area Humane Society.
The event, which sold all of its 180 tickets, will take place at the Cochrane RancheHouse Nov. 6 and Humane Society communication coordinator Lisa Kedian said it would not be made possible without the support of the community and major sponsors Global Pet Foods and Royal Canin.
"This is usually our most fun and important fundraiser of the year," she said. "Last year, because of COVID, we had to cancel it. Usually, the fundraiser brings in quite a lot of funds for the shelter, so it was a bit of a rough go last year. We're really excited to be able to host it once again."
On average, the event raises between $50,000 - $60,000 each year, all of which goes directly back into the shelter.
While the gala could not go ahead last year, other big fundraisers like Hair of the Dog, spearheaded seven years ago by CIR Realty real-estate agent Kendra Watt and Chew Chew Pediatric Dentistry's Kari Jensen, still found a way to happen virtually to continue supporting the shelter through donations. Last year, they raised about $29,000.
The Wags and Whiskers Gala celebrates the shelter's successes throughout the previous year and highlights the impacts of supporters that help save the lives of shelter animals. It's an event that brings all the Humane Society's supporters together, Kedian explained.
"We share stories about some of the animals that had a rough start and have gone through medical issues and go on to be adopted, now living their best lives. There's also some sad stories that we share, as that is part of what we do here as well."
Kedian teased that there may be some small puppies present at this year's event that will be accepting donations on behalf of the Humane Society, providing cuddles and photo opportunities in return.
Although tickets for the event are sold out, Kedian said they are still in search of donation items to auction off at the event.
"We are always looking for items for our silent auction and bigger ticket items for our live auction," she said. "All these things come together and really help the shelter to raise the maximum amount of funds that we can to make what we do possible. Which is providing an essential service, keeping our doors open to the animals that require medical or behavioural rehabilitation, socialization, surgeries, treatments for injuries and trauma. These are all things that we handle at the shelter and those are things that do cost quite a bit of money. We rely on our or donors and donations from the community to be able to provide those things."
The Humane Society is often in need of everyday supplies to support the care of shelter animals, currently their wish list includes wet kitten and puppy food, non-clumping litter and dog treats.
"Another thing is shelter supplies, which people don't always think of," Kedian added. "Things like bleach, soap, garbage bags or paper towel we need as well, just daily supplies for the shelter."
Attendees of the Wags and Whiskers Gala will need to show proof-of-vaccination, a negative rapid test that was taken within 72 hrs of the event or a medical exemption in order to gain entry into the venue which has implemented the Restriction Exemption Program.
