UPAWS to hold annual Cause for Paws Gala on Saturday

MARQUETTE — This weekend The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter is holding an annual fundraiser to celebrate the bond between people and their pets.

The Cause for Paws Annual Gala will take place on Saturday, November 9, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Marquette Holiday Inn. The event will feature live music, raffle prizes, a silent auction, a live auction, and much more.

“This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year that we really depend on to raise money for our operations and to make our efforts possible,” said UPAWS board treasurer Amber Talo. “So the community really comes together with a tremendous amount of support for us for this event, and not just this event, but all year long.”

The theme for this year’s gala is pets. Attendees are encouraged to dress according to theme, whether that means wearing a UPAWS t–shirt or even dressing from head to toe like their pet. Guests are also welcome to come as they are, but there is a special giveaway for those who dress according to the theme.

In addition to raising funds for the work that UPAWS does, the gala is intended to thank the community for their constant support over the years. Talo says that without the support of local pet owners and animal lovers, UPAWS wouldn’t be able to do everything they do now for animal welfare.

“Whether you can help in a big way or a small way, together we have a huge impact,” said Talo. “So I hope that people come and they can give themselves a pat on the back for helping us and knowing that they’re part of what we’re able to do. We care for approximately 1,600 animals a year, and the work that our staff does is incredible, but we can’t do it without our community. So because of our community, we’re able to save animals every day.”

There are still a few tickets available for the Cause for Paws Gala, but the event is expected to sell out. Click here to secure your ticket. You can also check out the UPAWS website or Facebook page for more information.