Time has flown by, and May has arrived before we knew it! It feels like just yesterday was January when I was discussing our organization’s objectives for the year ahead. Among those objectives was a significant milestone: our very first fundraising event. After months of preparation, securing sponsorships, and engaging with local and distant businesses for silent auction donations, beverages, flowers, and decorations, the culmination of our efforts will be on display at the “Paws & Pours” event, hosted by Pawfectly Delicious Dog Treats, on Sunday, June 9, 2024.

“Paws & Pours” marks our debut fundraising event, bringing together the love of dogs and those with disabilities by providing meaningful employment to developmentally and physically disabled adults. The festivities will take place at Fort Hunt Park in Alexandria, Virginia, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Our fundraising committee has dedicated countless hours to crafting an entertaining afternoon for our cherished canines and their human friends. This event serves a dual purpose: to gather funds that will allow our nonprofit to provide more job opportunities to disabled adults in our area, and to enhance awareness of our mission and the vital part we play in offering meaningful employment and job training to those who might otherwise be underemployed or unemployed.

The success and enjoyment of this event hinge on the support of numerous volunteers, as well as community, corporate, and individual backers. We are immensely thankful for the in-kind contributions and sponsorships we’ve received. Such generosity makes this event possible, and we extend our gratitude to our sponsors:

Atlantic Bay Mortgage, BayDog, Doptopia Inc., Donahoe Kearney PI Law Firm, Michael and Mary Durkin, Edison Electric Institute, Image 360, KVD Marketing Group, Realtor for Good, and Written Graciously.

Get ready for an incredible “pawty” at Paws & Pours! We’re thrilled to announce WJLA Meteorologist Steve Rudin as our event ambassador, who will be bringing his weather expertise to ensure a splendid day. Tickets are available now, so do not miss out—secure yours today!  Click HERE to purchase tickets.

Your ticket grants you access to an array of food, fun and frivolity:

Live Music: Enjoy the vibrant sounds of the Hip Replacements.

Food: Savor the creations of the culinary experts at Crudites All Day.

Beer: Sample brews provided by Port City Brewery.

Wine: A selection of wine courtesy of The Wine Institute.

Your ticket also includes access to all the fun, plus a chance at a tail-wagging raffle and the opportunity to bid on the Silent Auction (spoiler alert: bid on a chance to soar through the clouds in a private plane with a former Marine pilot, from the private plane terminal at BWI to a top restaurant in Baltimore, trips to Italy, France, and Napa to name a few have recently been added) and purchase tickets for the Wine Pull—all for a great cause!

And there is something special for our four-legged attendees:

Illustrations: Crafted by Alexandra Schmelling.

Dog Photos: Captured by Lasting Impressions.

Dog Agility: Presented by Wholistic Hound Academy.

Do not be surprised to see edible bubbles floating through the air and a corn hole game or two playing out in the park.

I hope you will join us on Sunday, June 9, 2024, for a day of celebration, community, and canines!   Gathering as a community to support the importance of inclusion, the dignity of paid employment and the love of dogs is the pawfect combination for a successful event.  I look forward to seeing you at “Paws & Pours” in a little over a month.