The main fundraising portion of the night was a live auction where attendees could bid for various baskets, experiences and fun animal-related items. Specifically, some items offered were animal portraits, a VIP tour with the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation or a flight on a search mission finding lost dogs. Donations were often tripled, which gave multiple buyers the opportunity to experience something they wanted.

The fundraiser raised close to $170,000, a new event record, according to Isabelle Gullö, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ co-founder and executive director. She told the News-Press that $100,000 was raised directly at the event and the rest was raised through sponsorships.

There also was a matching grant from the Sparacio Foundation, and the organization matched $50,000 during the auction event. This helped encourage those at the event to donate and bid.

According to Ms. Gullö, the money will go directly back to the organization, “helping thousands of pet families in need in the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo areas.”

Recently, C.A.R.E.4Paws expanded to San Luis Obispo with its Mobile Clinic, which allows more families to be assisted on-the-go with whatever pet needs they may have. The money raised will help support this area of the organization.

“Thanks to the wonderful support for C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Happy Tails event, we will be able to help thousands of pet families in need, keeping animals healthy and with the people who love them!” exclaimed Ms. Gullö.

The event also featured multiple people talking about their “Happy Tails,” sharing how the organization has positively impacted their lives. “It is really heartwarming,” said Ms. Gullö.

The event was a success, and Ms. Gullö alongside the entire organization is thankful for the support.

If you would like more information on C.A.R.E.4Paws, visit care4paws.org.

email: abahnsen@newspress.com