10-04-2025
Fundraising for furry friends on Saturday
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The 'Paws to Celebrate' gala is the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society's largest fundraiser of the year. All proceeds go directly back to the shelter.
This year, there's a new addition to the evening.
'We had over 8,500 animals come through our door last year. It makes a big impact to have this event so that we can help all of those animals find those forever homes,' executive director Jami Gates Grieve said.
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Gates Grieve said events like this also help continue the care the society provides for animals.
'It helps all of the thousands of homeless animals that come through our door each year,' Gates Grieve said. 'Provide shelter, food, vet assistance, spay and neutering for all the animals, emergency care, behavioral assessments, things like that.'
The humane society raised $60,000 last year. In hopes of raising even more this year, it's adding something new to follow the gala.
'The gala starts at 5, gets over at 8, and then we have our first ever afterparty from 9 to 11,' development coordinator Madison Godschalk said. 'We're bringing in a DJ, going to have some good music playing.'
The shelter hopes the 'Paws after Dark' afterparty will attract an even bigger audience.
'That is the main reason why the 'Paws After Dark' event was created,' Godschalk said. 'It was for people maybe that are the younger crowd, can maybe stay out a little bit later, but can't necessarily afford to go to a gala, but still want to support animals.
The gala is from 5 to 8 p.m. this Saturday at the District in Sioux Falls. Guests can enjoy silent and live auctions, games and hors d'oeuvres. Tickets are $100 each and include entry to the 'Paws After Dark' afterparty.
The afterparty begins at 9 p.m. at the District. You can purchase a ticket for the afterparty only for $25.
Tickets are available while supplies last at the door and on online.
You must be at least 21 years old to attend either event.
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