The Kaua‘i Animal Welfare Society (KAWS) presents their third annual “Thank You For Being A Friend,” fundraiser on Saturday, March 14th in the Jasmine Ballroom at the Kaua‘i Beach Resort.
The event runs from 5 p.m. through 10 p.m. and includes the annual costume contest, with live music by “Gypsy Spice,” and “Soul Fire.””
KAWS’s executive director Dinah Chao encourages those interested in the best friend costume contest, to be inspired and wear costumes in pairs – like Lucy and Ricky Ricardo from the TV show: “I love Lucy.”
“For this fundraiser, we are honoring the value of friendship: the friendship created between humans and animals as well as the friendship the community of Kaua‘i has given us throughout the years. Without the support of our community, we could not continue our life-saving efforts,” executive director Chao.
She pointed out contributions over the past few years from supporters have enabled KAWS to complete their dog sanctuary and to begin building the first phase of their cat sanctuary. That project is ongoing.
“We are coming closer to completing a space that will provide a safe and controlled environment for both domestic and feral cats and kittens,” she said.
In celebration of the momentum on their cat and dog sanctuaries and the support they’ve received from the community, KAWS will be handing out several awards on Saturday night, alongside games for attendees.
Awards highlight community members and organizations that have gone above and beyond to help Kaua‘i animals.
For the 2020 event, Kaua‘i Community Cat Project and Spay Pod are set to receive the True Grit Award.
Another award is the “Carol Ann Davis Friendship Award” which is going to be given to a community member who has shown friendship to us and other organizations in an effort to save lives.
“The final award, the Volunteer of the Year Award, is going to an outstanding volunteer who has helped KAWS build and maintain their sanctuary, with a kind heart and a smile on their face,” Chao said.
KAWS is on a mission to “provide moral, financial, and medial support for those fostering homeless pets; to end the practice of euthanasia as a means of population control, instead relying on spay and neuter and trap and return programs; and to create a sanctuary for animals not yet placed in foster or permanent homes”, and the event celebrates the organization’s progress.
Anahola resident Kamealoha Hanohano-Smith shares his personal story on how KAW’s helped him last year through a rough time.
“I was on the brink of being totally broke, and I had thirty dogs that were from the pound and were homeless. Two of which were pregnant at the time. They needed to get vaccinated and they needed so much care. The dogs and I are all in a better place because of KAWS4PAWS. It’s people like Chao who inspires us, can’t wait to celebrate with them,” Hanohano-Smith said.
Tickets are available and the cost are: Adults- $100, Children 12 and under- $25 and $1200 Sponsor Table of 10. Purchase tickets at www.kaws4paws.org.
