Happy Tails Celebration & Fundraiser
Each year C.A.R.E.4Paws hosts our annual Happy Tails Celebration & Fundraising event highlighting our work in the community which is made possible through you, our generous donors and volunteers.
Enjoy delicious food and drinks as well as live music — all in a stunning setting. Our presentation and live auction take place inside one of the Music Academy’s beautiful halls. Hear heartfelt “happy tails” from some of the many pet owners we help along with updates about our community work.

On Sunday, May 21, 2023, C.A.R.E.4Paws hosts our Happy Tails Celebration & Fundraiser at the Music Academy of the West, 4pm to 8pm. Our event highlights our work in the community and features heartfelt Happy Tails from some of the many pet owners we help daily to keep animals healthy and in their homes.
On Sunday, May 22, C.A.R.E.4Paws hosted our hybrid Happy Tails Celebration & Fundraiser at the Music Academy of the West. We raised more than $130,000 for C.A.R.E.4Paws’ programs and are so grateful to everyone who supported our event, in person and virtually from home.

Jim Nye with Auctioneers for Good made sure everyone's bid cards stayed up! Our event raised $175,000 total for C.A.R.E.4Paws.

Thank you, John K and Frank Sparacio Foundation, for your matching grant!

Back again this year and even more pawsitive!

George Leis, CFO of Montecito Bank & Trust and Laurie Leis, Executive Vice President of Advancement at United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County.


Chemayne and Kathy Simas came to support our event from Santa Barbara's north county.

Left to right: Gary Finefrock, Richard Bornstein, Lyn Proctor (a major donor toward our new mobile clinic) and Peggy Finefrock

Board president Chris Harris with sponsor Greta Hansen and her lovely guest.

C.A.R.E.4Paws' board member and super star volunteer Day Yeager!

Part of our amazing volunteer team: Cindy Whelan, Kathryn Courain, Nancy Curtis, Dylan Devré, Julia Black-Devré and Erica Valdes.🐾🐾

The Cathy Izumo and board member Cam Gittler with Kyle Kennedy, one of our many, beyond generous "live auction heroes."

Our dear friends Shelby Hennick and Jesslyn Tilley, veterinary technicians at Santa Barbara County Animal Services, looked stunning!

C.A.R.E.4Paws' Carlos, Pati and Ivanna Abitia. 🥰

We love the support from Jeff and Karen Atlas with Atlas Rehabilitation for Canines - ARC. 😍


C.A.R.E.4Paws' Wendy Domanski with longtime super supporters Dwight and Kim Lowell. 🥰

Generosity and kindness all around: Ariana Katovich from Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network with Gretchen Lieff of La Lieff Wines. Ariana contributed unique live auction packages from the wildlife center to support C.A.R.E.4Paws and Gretchen donated all of the wine for the event. Thank you both so much!

Looking pawsitively stylish!

Don Conner and Nicole Troup from Whiskey 'N Rye in Solvang, a generous event sponsor!

Amazing and fun friends of C.A.R.E.4Paws and ASAP Cats, a longtime partner to help pet families in need.

We are anxiously awaiting our new, 37-foot mobile clinic!

Super supporters Ron and Betty Ziegler. 😍🥰

Laurie Leis from United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County with C.A.R.E.4Paws Wendy Domanski and Cindy Whelan.

Jeff and Cam Gittler with Kyle Kennedy and Cathy Izumo

John and Karen Jostes, major donors of our new mobile clinic.

Instantly stock your wine cellar!

Amazing supporters Gary and Lynn Larson, now the owners of a beautiful red, signed guitar by acclaimed musician Robert Cray!🤩

Marc and Susie Minier from Rubyloo. We loved the two stylish Rubyloo doggie travel baskets donated to the silent auction.


Board member Tom Fisher pouring La Lieff wines with Rick Lee.

As always, Sal's "Meowgaritas" were a big hit!

One Meowgarita coming right up!

Wonderful Brenda Lang headed up the mocktail bar, beautifully designed by our creative volunteer Onalisa Hoodes.


Richard Bornstein and Lyn Davis Proctor. 🥰😍


Jeff Gittler and Cathy Izumo 🤩

Lisa Reed and Diane Francis, our longtime volunteers and wonderful supporters.


We were happy to see volunteers and donors Trish Van Steyn and Anne Ashmore.

It's not a pawty without Vicki Godlewski and Frank Einchenberg!

Our friends and supporters Jon and Liz Brady. Liz is a wonderful artist who donated a stunning oil painting to our silent auction. Check out her amazing work at www.lizbradyart.com, Liz Brady

Sponsor Greta Hansen brought her pawsitively wonderful friends to celebrate!



Thank you for providing the great acoustic guitar music, Michael Holland!




Isabelle Gullo, C.A.R.E.Paws' ED, with Mia Gordon, who donated the Dreamy Facial Massage Combo to our silent auction. It is a spa treatment to die for!


Cam Gittler did a fantastic job with the flower arrangements.

Our supporter Karen Jostes surrounded by friends!



Sponsors and C.A.R.E.4Paws friends David and Suzanne Martin-Reay. 😘

C.A.R.E.4Paws' clinic technicians Sarah and Cristy.😍





Carlos and Ivanna Abitia

Stunning flowers by Cam Gittler and Cathy Izumo.



Great musician Michael Holland.


Board president Chris Harris welcomes all guests.

Executive Director Isabelle Gullo talks about C.A.R.E.4Paws' growth and the many happy tails!

Jim Nye from Auctioneers For Good takes the stage!

The most expensive glass in the world. Sold for $700(!) to benefit C.A.R.E.4Paws. Jim Nye from Auctioneers for Good is THAT good!

It's on!






