C.A.R.E.4Paws Happy Tails Celebration & Fundraiser Raises $165,000 for Pet Families in Need

C.A.R.E.4Paws Raises $165,000 at Happy Tails Celebration & Fundraiser

On Saturday, May 18, C.A.R.E.4Paws hosted its third Happy Tails Celebration & Fundraiser at the Music Academy in Montecito, raising an impressive $165,000 to assist animals and pet families in need. The event marked the nonprofit’s 15th year of working in underserved communities on the Central Coast to keep pets healthy, out of shelters, and with the people who love them.

“We loved the pawsitive energy and are so grateful for the incredible support for our event,” says C.A.R.E.4Paws’ cofounder and executive director, Isabelle Gullö. The funds raised will help thousands of families with critical services such as spay/neuter surgeries, veterinary care, vaccines, pet food, and supplies. Together, they are creating safety nets that help prevent pet homelessness and improve pet family welfare.

The event featured delicious vegetarian food, local wines, craft beer, and C.A.R.E.4Paws’ signature “meowgaritas.” Guests enjoyed live music, a live auction, and heartfelt testimonials from families that the organization has helped. One such story was from Lucia Trujillo, whose senior dog Luckie has received support from C.A.R.E.4Paws during a difficult time. “For us, C.A.R.E.4Paws is not just a strong support system, C.A.R.E.4Paws is family!” says Lucia.

Since 2009, C.A.R.E.4Paws has supported hundreds of thousands of low-income, senior, disabled, and unhoused community members with a range of resources. They provide free and low-cost wellness services through their Mobile Community Medicine & Spay/Neuter Outreach program, which expanded to San Luis Obispo County in 2022. In 2023 alone, they assisted 17,500 dogs and cats with essential care.

“If community members and local businesses would like to support the Happy Tails event after the fact, C.A.R.E.4Paws is still promoting mobile clinic sponsorships and the chance to have their pet’s portrait featured on the clinic exterior,” says Gullö. To learn more about these opportunities, email info@care4paws.org.

To view photos from the event and learn more about C.A.R.E.4Paws’ work, visit care4paws.org/happytails and care4paws.org.