July 28--For more than 450 pet-loving supporters along with 100 of their canine companions, the PAWS Beach Party was a tail-wagging good time July 23 at Castaways Bar and Grill at North Avenue Beach. Presented by Hub Group, this 13th annual event was a sellout, raising more than $300,000 for PAWS Chicago, the largest no-kill animal shelter in the city and one of the largest in the country.
The PAWS Beach Party always attracts a fun-loving crowd, as well as many well-dressed pets. Doggies in grass skirts, sailor hats and Hawaiian T-shirts posed for photos, as their human companions bid on silent auction items, raised their paddles during the live auction (that brought in $123,500) and enjoyed a lavish beach buffet.
During the evening, pets relaxed in the Paradise 4 Paws "dog spa" complete with paw-di-cures, pet-friendly tattoos, pup-cakes and splash pools. Pet portraiture was also available courtesy of artist Ali Cantarella.
The event was co-chaired by Andrew Tobin and Heather and Mark Yeager and emceed by WUSN-FM 99.5's Lisa Dent. Dent, an avid animal lover who has adopted three dogs and a cat from PAWS, calls the beach party her "favorite fundraiser of the year."
"The Beach Party is so important to our mission of saving homeless dogs and cats and building a no-kill Chicago," said Paula Fasseas, PAWS Chicago founder and chair. "Last year, nearly 10,000 dogs and cats were killed in the city, and while we have helped reduce the number of pets euthanized by 77% since our founding in 1998, there are still too many animals who need our help."
This year, PAWS Chicago plans to find homes for more than 6,000 pets through its Lincoln Park and new Highland Park adoption centers, as well as providing spay and neuter services for more than 18,000 dogs and cats.
Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.
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