The Paddle Raise from Basil's Big Bash 2024
The Paddle Raise from Basil's Big Bash 2024. (ASAP Cats photo)

Santa Barbara County is blessed with a diversity of vital nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the health, well-being, growth, civic leadership and compassion of our community.

Charitable giving and philanthropy are part of our identity, which is why Noozhawk is proud to support the nonprofit community through sponsoring local community organizations and events. 

To showcase our support of the event, Basil’s Big Bash, Noozhawk spoke with Tanner Tait, Marketing & Development Coordinator at the ASAP Cats to learn more about their event.

Animal Shelter Assistance Program (ASAP Cats)

Question: What is the name and date of your event?

Answer: Basil’s Big Bash, taking place June 13th, 2025 at 5:30pm.

Q: What is the mission, goal, and/or theme of this occasion?

A: ASAP Cats presents Basil’s Big Bash (the Bash), the annual gala dedicated to raising critical funds for the welfare of the cats of Santa Barbara County. This year, the Bash will take place Friday, June 13th at 5:30pm, once again at The Carousel House in Santa Barbara, located on the western end of Chase Palm Park.

In addition to a wonderful night of fundraising and cat-centric community, this year’s Friday the 13th Bash has a special theme: black cats! Often regarded as bad luck, ASAP is here to dispel the antiquated rumor and show black cats as they truly are: majestic, magical, and charming creatures. Feel the luck and mystique at this year’s Bash!

Q: Have you held this event before?

A: This event has been held annually since 2014, so this will be ASAP’s 11th Bash.

Q: Tell us some more details about your celebration?

A: Starting in 2014, the Bash was created to not only raise funds for cats and kittens in need, but also to bring together the whole local community of feline lovers who share a similar goal: saving cats. Last year’s event, the 10th anniversary of the Bash, reflected on the decades of adoptions, lifesaving procedures, and care provided by ASAP to its cat-loving community.

ASAP prides itself on fostering the relationship with every cat that has been encountered, continuing to provide education, welfare, and aid wherever possible. Whether it’s reuniting them with their family or returning them to their home in the community, ASAP continues to evolve in understanding how best to save every cat, and the Bash exists to bring together those individuals who share a similar outlook for the lives of cats.

Q: How do people get involved with your event? (volunteer, attend, etc.) – If your event includes ticket sales, please note the price and include a link to purchase tickets.

A: Tickets and sponsorships are currently available by visiting our website at www.asapcats.org. Tickets are $250, and sponsorships range from our Cat Nip level at $600 all the way to Super Cat at $15,000.

In addition to dinner and dancing, the Bash will feature both a silent and live auction, offering everything from items of comfort, to unforgettable experiences, to the famous Instant Wine Cellar.

Can’t make it to the Bash but still want to support ASAP? Consider donating a bottle of wine to the Instant Wine Cellar, one of the Bash’s most popular Live Auction items. To donate, simply drop off any $20+ bottle of wine at the ASAP Cats shelter and it will be included in the prize.

Q: Is this a fundraising affair? If so, how will the funds raised help your organization?

A: Basil’s Big Bash is ASAP’s major fundraising gala, responsible for funding over 15% of our annual operating costs. Not only is it a great night of community, but the funds raised also have a tremendous impact on our organization and cats.

Q: Who is sponsoring your event, and why is their support important?

A: From cat-loving folks in the community, to animal welfare organizations, to local businesses and Santa Barbara favorites, we are thankful for the amazing sponsors who are supporting this year’s Bash.

It takes a village to hold an annual gala, but to know that each of these individuals and groups share a common belief — that ASAP Cats will forever look after the cats of Santa Barbara County — keeps us pushing to save lives and help cats.

Q: Do you work with an Event Planner? If not, who are the key people who make it all happen?

A: Ellyette “Elly” Iverson of eji event co. is a huge proponent of the Bash’s success, acting as our Event Planner Extraordinaire. Additionally, the Bash is run by a committee of Board Members, ASAP staff, and volunteers who believe in the ASAP mission.

Q: Does your organization have any other upcoming events this year?

A: In addition to our annual fundraiser, ASAP holds monthly Adoption Event & Yard Sales at the ASAP Cats shelter. Visit our website at www.asapcats.org for the complete list of adoption events!

Q: What are you planning as a post-event follow up?

A: All Bash sponsors will receive letters following the event — stay tuned for more info!

To learn more about ASAP Cats Basil’s Big Bash event click here.

If you would like to apply for Noozhawk’s 50/50 Match Sponsorship Program for your upcoming nonprofit event please click HERE to view our sponsorship application. The deadline for consideration is 30-45 days prior to the event. You can also contact our sales team at sales@noozhawk.com.