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, Mother’s Day Furbaby Stroll & Costume Parade, Noozhawk spoke with Kathleen Kissee, Director of Marketing & Communications, at Santa Barbara Animal Care Foundation to learn more about their event.
Santa Barbara Animal Care Foundation
Question: What is the name and date of your event?
Answer: Mother’s Day Furbaby Stroll & Costume Parade
Q: What is the mission, goal, and/or theme of this occasion?
A: The goal of the event is to raise awareness about the need for funding for the animals of Santa Barbara County that come to Santa Barbara County Animal Services that need lifesaving support.
Fundraising efforts supporting Santa Barbara County Animal Care Services—primarily through the Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation—help provide critical resources that go beyond basic county funding to improve the lives of animals in their care.
Donations are used to cover life-saving medical treatments such as surgeries, diagnostics, and emergency care for injured or ill animals, as well as everyday needs like food, shelter supplies, and enrichment.
Funds also support behavioral training programs that make animals more adoptable, educational outreach initiatives that promote responsible pet ownership, and special projects like microchipping and facility improvements. Together, these efforts ensure that stray, abused, and neglected animals receive the comprehensive care, rehabilitation, and second chances they deserve.
Q: Have you held this event before?
A: The is the first annual.
Q: Tell us some more details about your celebration?
A: The Mother’s Day Furbaby Sidewalk Stroll & Costume Contest, hosted by the Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation, is a fun, family-friendly community event that celebrates the bond between people and their pets while raising funds for animals in need.
Held each Mother’s Day in Old Town Orcutt, the event invites participants to dress up with their dogs, cats, or other companions and take part in a festive sidewalk stroll through local shops, collecting stamps on a “paws-sport” passport for a chance to win prizes.
The afternoon also features a lively costume contest—with categories like Best Mom & Furbaby Duo, Funniest Costume, and Most Creative—along with live music, raffles, vendors, and opportunities to meet adoptable shelter animals.
Designed to bring the community together in a lighthearted way, the event supports critical programs such as medical care, foster support, and adoption services for vulnerable animals across Santa Barbara County.
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: Visit our website to register for free or sponsor.
Q: Is this a fundraising affair? If so, how will the funds raised help your organization?
A: Fundraising efforts supporting Santa Barbara County Animal Care Services—primarily through the Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation—help provide critical resources that go beyond basic county funding to improve the lives of animals in their care.
Donations are used to cover life-saving medical treatments such as surgeries, diagnostics, and emergency care for injured or ill animals, as well as everyday needs like food, shelter supplies, and enrichment.
Funds also support behavioral training programs that make animals more adoptable, educational outreach initiatives that promote responsible pet ownership, and special projects like microchipping and facility improvements.
Together, these efforts ensure that stray, abused, and neglected animals receive the comprehensive care, rehabilitation, and second chances they deserve.
Q: Who is sponsoring your event, and why is their support important?
A: Sponsors so far are:
Blast 825 Brewery
That’s Fetch!
Donna Randolph State Farm
Bob Moses Ceramic Coating
Sunny Country
Noozhawk
American Rivieria Bank
Blenders in the Grass
Old Town Biergarten
Raising Canes Chicken Fingers
POP N JOY BALLOONS LLC
Hula Hands Massage
Q: Do you work with an Event Planner? If not, who are the key people who make it all happen?
A: Director of Marketing and Communications, Kathleen Kissee
marketing@sbcanimalcare.org
805-434-8491
Q: Does your organization have any other upcoming events this year?
A: Yes, Tails of Hope in September in Santa Barbara.
Q: What are you planning as a post-event follow up?
A: A press release to thank the participants and sponsors and announce the funds raised.
To learn more about Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation’s Mother’s Day Furbaby Stroll & Costume Parade 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.