C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Happy Tails Celebration & Fundraiser brought in more than $250,000 to help Central Coast pets and their families in a recent event at Cabrillo Pavilion.
Building on that philanthropic momentum, the nonprofit started its first Community Cares Campaign on May 6, which marks C.A.R.E.4Paws’ 17th anniversary.
To kick off the campaign, supporters contributed a $60,000 matching donation during the Happy Tails paddle raise portion, creating a pool of funds to inspire and multiply giving throughout the campaign.
“The month-long campaign invites the broader community to come together in support of pets and the people who love them,” organizers said.
“We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, donors and guests who made Happy Tails such a meaningful and successful event,” said Isabelle Gullö, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ cofounder and executive director.
“This year, we’re especially excited to carry that energy forward through our Community Cares Campaign,” she said. “The $60,000 match created during the paddle raise means that every dollar given in May will go even further to support pet families in need.”
The Happy Tails event featured silent and live auctions, along with a program highlighting the impact of C.A.R.E.4Paws’ services and the importance of community partnerships in expanding access to care.
Since 2009, C.A.R.E.4Paws has worked to reduce pet overpopulation and improve pet family welfare by providing access to veterinary care, pet food, supplies and critical support services.
The organization serves more than 25,000 pets and their people annually in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Programs include Mobile Community Medicine & Spay/Neuter Outreach; Veterinary Partner Services; Companion Pet Assistance and Safe Haven; and the new Pet Refuge, which provides confidential emergency boarding for pets during times of crisis.
Every month, the nonprofit reaches hundreds of pet families who would otherwise go without care, like Esmir Mellin and her dog Rocky.
Without the veterinary care provided by C.A.R.E.4Paws’ mobile clinic team and veterinary partner services, Rocky would not have survived a life-threatening illness, C.A.R.E.4Paws said.
“Rocky is my baby and I don’t know what I would do without him,” Mellin said. “C.A.R.E.4Paws provided the medicine and helped me with food. They are always here for us and treat us like family. Rocky would not be here today if it wasn’t for them.”
As the cost of veterinary care and basic pet needs continues to rise, so does the demand for C.A.R.E.4Paws’ services, Gullö said.
“The Community Cares Campaign is an opportunity for everyone, no matter the size of their gift, to be part of the solution and help keep pets healthy and with the people who love them. Because every pet deserves a healthy life, and every family deserves the chance to provide it,” Gullö said.
Community members can participate in the campaign by making a donation; starting a Facebook birthday fundraiser; organizing a team fundraiser or matching challenge at work; and by sponsoring spay/neuter surgeries, wellness exams and other essential care for pets in need.
To learn more or contribute, visit care4paws.org/community. For event highlights and photos, visit care4paws.org/happytails.