The Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL), in partnership with presenting sponsor PetSmart Charities, is bringing a black and gold theme to the annual fundraising gala, Evening to Paws in honor of the nonprofit’s 50th golden anniversary this year. On September 25, the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia ballroom will be dripping in gold as guests celebrate over 100,000 animals’ lives saved by the largest and oldest no-kill shelter in Arizona.

Guests will sip on a signature cocktail while strolling through the upscale “market” of hundreds of silent auction items before enjoying a seated dinner featuring live entertainment from Nate Nathan and the MacDaddy-O’s.

“Evening to Paws brings together the community’s most dedicated animal lovers every year,” said Alessandra Navidad president and CEO of AAWL. “This year’s theme is particularly special as we celebrate 50 years of growth for AAWL. We are proud of the work accomplished and look forward to expanding our efforts to support pet owners to keep animals in their homes, provide low-cost vet care to under-served communities and invest in serving the needs of rural communities to save more animals. ”

AAWL was founded on August 20, 1971 as a foster-based animal rescue and the first no-kill shelter in Arizona. In the last 50 years, the organization has expanded to a campus of 10 buildings and over 200 animal kennels powered by the dedication of over 100 employees, more than 600 volunteers and 100 plus foster families. A low-cost clinic, MD PetCare, provides thousands of people in the community with affordable vet services and vaccine clinics. In 2016, AAWL introduced its rescue partner program to include partners across Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Colorado and expanded their impact in Rural communities across the southwest.

The event begins at 6 p.m. and is expected to last until 9:00 p.m. Tickets are $250 per person. For those not comfortable attending an in-person event, a portion of the evening will be streamed live. Those who are unable to attend the event can still enter a 50/50 raffle for a chance to win half of the total amount raised. Purchase one entry for $25 and three for $50. For more information, visit EveningtoPaws.org or click here.


About The Arizona Animal Welfare League
The Arizona Animal Welfare League is the oldest and largest no-kill shelter in Arizona. Founded in 1971, AAWL rehomes and rehabilitates more than 4,000 rescue animals across the state that have been abandoned or surrendered. Besides adoptions, AAWL offers a variety of services with their animal foster programs, Rural Rescue outreach, youth education, and low-cost clinic. For more information, visit aawl.org.