C.A.R.E4Paws Happy Tails Celebration and Fundraiser Event

The C.A.R.E4Paws organization held a “Happy Tails Celebration and Fundraiser” event on Sunday, May 4, at the Cabrillo Pavilion. The event focused on celebrating the organization’s establishment 16 years ago this May, its mission, and the work it does for pets and their owners on the Central Coast.  

Starting with a silent auction during a wine and beer reception, the C.A.R.E4Paws board and staff mingled with guests and posed for photo ops at the step and repeat banner. 

The event hosts were Executive Director and Cofounder Isabelle Gullö; Happy Trails Event Coordinator Erica Valdes; Director of Clinic Operations Patrick Antone; Assistant Manager Libby Williams-Cabral; Marketing and Safe Haven Manager Julia Black-Devre; Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator Priscilla Hernandez; Board President Chris Harris, Treasurer Kathryn Courain; Secretary Cindy Whelan; and Board of Directors Cam Gittler, Kyle Kennedy, Don Conner, Dr. Alex Gomes and Laura Sanders.

Also seen at the event were Tara Zanecki and John Palminteri, Peggy and Gary Finefrock, Lisa and John Stevens, Eryn and Craig Shugart, Deborah Steffen and Patricia Ryan. Keynote sponsors were Beth Climo and Bob Bourgoin, Andrew and Kendra Feshbach, Bill and Kathy Borgers, Greta Hansen, John and Karen Jostes, and Ron and Betty Ziegler.

Gullö and Harris gave brief speeches of welcome, with thank yous to the sponsors, donors, attendees, their board, and staff. Gullö, “We were founded 16 years ago this May and remain a grassroots organization in the community to make sure pets stay with their families. Our mission continues to be to reduce the pet population, keep pets out of shelters, and provide pet care services. We work with many local organizations and provide services. Fundraising here supports our mission and our new shelter center, the Creekside Pet Boarding, in Arroyo Grande.” Accompanying their speeches were videos of the work the organization is doing.

Sought after live auction items at the event included a stay at the HillsNek Safari Camp – Amakhala Game Reserve in South Africa, donated by its cofounder Chantelle Cook and facilitated by marketing guru Leigh-Anne Anderson;and a week stay in historic Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris. 

The auction was led by Los Angeles professional auctioneer Jim Nye, who raised approximately $98,900 between the live auction items and the Ask, along with getting attendees to cheer all the bidders and winners. The raised funds are a definite help in C.A.R.E4Paws’ 2025 estimated budget of $2.4 million.

Vegan dinner and appetizers were by Whiskey ‘N Rye and dessert by Bodega Bake Shop.

411: https://care4paws.org/