The Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation’s (SBCACF) Tails of Hope fundraiser netted more than $200,000 that will be applied directly to programs and expenses benefiting the animals and people served by Santa Barbara County Animal Services.
Tails of Hope was first large-scale fundraiser to benefit Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

With the totals in, organizers said, “It’s clear that our residents love animals and understand the importance of supporting the animal welfare organization responsible for the care of thousands of animals each year.”

More than 330 guests attended the event at Elings Park, along with celebrity emcees John Corbett and Bo Derek, Board of Supervisors Chair Laura Capps, and animal lovers from all over Santa Barbara County.

Auctioneer Jim Nye of Auctioneers for Good led the crowd in raising more than $75,000 alone during the live auction and fund-a-need.

“It was moving and inspiring to see our community show up in such force to support the critical work of this agency,” said Sarah Aguilar, Animal Services director. “We are committed to helping keep pets and people together, and to caring for all animals in need.

“As a government agency, we face the same profound challenges as other county programs. The Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation, and the funds so generously donated by Tails of Hope guests, will help us meet those needs.”

“Most county residents are not aware of just how much Animal Services does for people and animals in our county,” said Linda Greco, SBCACF Board president.

“It’s not just sheltering and adopting out dogs and cats from our three shelters,” she said. “It’s dealing with sick and injured animals of all types, responding to animal crises in the field, assisting with disaster response and evacuation, prosecuting cruelty complaints, and more.

“Our foundation is dedicated to helping where we can, as best we can, so that all the animals of our county have what they need to thrive and be loved.”

“With local governments struggling to meet looming revenue shortfalls, the Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation is stepping up to raise funds in the community, and depends on community members to respond to the call, so that basic needs continue to be met, and no animal is unable to receive care,” the organization said.

Learn more about the foundation’s work and supporting its efforts through donations or volunteering at www.sbcanimalcare.org.