Klondike Pizza’s Santa Maria Restaurant has raised $9,076 to support Santa Barbara Humane’s Santa Maria campus through its annual fundraiser.

Sarge, a brown and white senior bulldog, who has since been adopted, charms customers at Santa Barbara Humane’s information table.
Sarge, a senior bulldog, who has since been adopted, charms customers at Santa Barbara Humane’s information table. Credit: Courtesy photo

In addition to their menu and unique Alaskan-themed environment, Klondike Pizza’s two venues, in Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande, are known for giving back to the Central Coast communities.

Each March, Klondike’s philanthropic focus is on animals in need. By selling raffle tickets and paper “paws” to display from floor to ceiling throughout the restaurant, the Santa Maria eaatery raises thousands of dollars for dogs and cats in need at Santa Barbara Humane.

This year, Klondike extended its fundraiser through Easter, and ultimately donated $9,076 to support local animals at the Santa Maria campus.

“Klondike nearly doubled their extraordinary total from 2022, and we couldn’t be more grateful to their amazing team and loyal customers,” said Paige Van Tuyl, Santa Barbara Humane’s chief philanthropy officer.

On April 4, the restaurant also donated 15% of all orders. This give-back day boosted Klondike’s overall fundraising total and added extra momentum to that evening’s celebratory festivities and raffle drawing as the campaign wrapped up.

Shelter dog ambassadors Sarge and Gambit greeted customers outside the restaurant, while Santa Barbara Humane staff members shared information about the veterinary care, dog training, and adoption made possible through community support.

Both Sarge and Gambit have since been adopted into loving homes.

Holding oversize check for Santa Barbara Humane are: Pam Dennis, Klondike owner; Paige Van Tuyl, Santa Barbara Humane’s chief philanthropy officer with staff dog Zach; manager Patty Forsher with staff dog Frankie; and manager Christopher Forsher.
Pam Dennis, Klondike owner; Paige Van Tuyl, Santa Barbara Humane’s chief philanthropy officer with staff dog Zach; manager Patty Forsher with staff dog Frankie; and manager Christopher Forsher. Credit: Courtesy photo

To ensure adoptable animals are in the spotlight all year round, the restaurant’s entryway always features a row of profiles of dogs and cats who belong to the shelter’s Lonely Hearts Club. Because these animals have been at the shelter longer than most, they benefit from the extra grassroots promotion to help them find a match.

“The support of locals, tourists, regulars, and first-time customers at Klondike makes a world of difference for dogs and cats in need,” Van Tuyl said. “It’s no surprise residents come back time and time again to be greeted with a familiar bowl of peanuts and a genuine conversation with a team who cares so deeply about animals and families in Santa Maria.”

For more about the services available at Santa Barbara Humane, visit sbhumane.org. Learn more about Klondike at klondikepizza.com.