Colorado Animal Rescue’s (CARE) signature annual fundraiser traces back to the shelter’s inception in 2000. The namesake, however, “Dressed to the K9s,” was adopted in 2012, having gone through some other iterations — originally dubbed “Putting on the Dog (and cat).” The 14th consecutive event kicks off at The Arts Campus at Willits (TACAW) on Sept. 7 at 5:30pm.
Typically, according to the shelter’s executive director, Wes Boyd, the event brings in between $50,000 and $100,000. This round, the goal is to reach $100,000.
This will be the third year the event has been held at TACAW. Starting at 5:30pm, attendees (bipeds and quadrupeds) are invited to mingle in the lobby and on the patio whilst enjoying drinks from the bar, bites from Epicure Catering and sweets from Sunshine & Moons.
After some hanging out and tail wagging, the party will move into the main venue where Andy Zanca Youth Empowerment Program (AZYEP) youth DJs will provide live entertainment along with some quintessential paddle-raising fundraising taking place.
This is the first time CARE has collaborated with AZYEP for this event. However, as Boyd pointed out, the youth radio organization has been hosting CARE’s “Adoptable Pet of the Week” broadcast on KDNK Community Access Radio for three years. “The partnership is one we’re really proud of, so we’re excited to showcase it at the fundraising event,” Boyd stated.
“We’ll wrap up the night with the ‘Fashion and Fur K9 Fashion Show,’ featuring shelter alumni and other community dogs,” continued Boyd.
There will be other ways to contribute to the cause throughout the event. “Golden Ticket” Pollinator Chocolate Bars will be raffled off, there will be a CARE merchandise table along with copies of two books written about shelter pets, “The Witty Kitty” and “How Guinness Found his Family,” by local authors Jane Bachrach and Kathy Barger, respectively.
“As is true for every nonprofit in the Valley, our expenses continue to rise,” said Boyd. “So our goals for fundraising continue to increase but the good news is we’re also helping more animals than before.”
He noted that there has been a large increase in the number of adoptions thus far in 2024, yet owner-surrendered pet numbers have also increased. “There are about 60% more pets in need in our valley,” he added.
Veterinary care costs have gone up, so it’s fitting that the proceeds from this event will go into CARE’s Thumper Fund, reserved for extraordinary veterinary care for shelter pets.
“The Thumper fund ensures that every shelter pet, regardless of the financial requirement, receives the veterinary care that they need to thrive,” stated Boyd.
Boyd has two CARE pets at home: a “cantankerous” orange tabby named Twyla and a 20-month-old German shepherd named Zia. And he couldn’t let Twyla and Zia get coverage without also mentioning his 12-year-old dog, Nash, who came by way of Mountain Pet Rescue from Arkansas
Currently, CARE has nine dogs, three cats, and seven kittens available for adoption. Each pet has a story and personality to match. It’s always worth checking, because you’ll never know for sure when the right four-legged for your home will come around. Last week CARE even adopted out a Guinea Pig.
“Dressed To The K9s is an evening of laughter, celebration and fundraising all in honor of shelter pets,” Boyd concluded. “It’s an opportunity to dress up, have a great night out and donate to a cause that’s near and dear to your heart.”
To find your new furry companion or to purchase tickets for Dressed to the K9s, visit www.coloradoanimalrescue.org
In a nutshell
What: Dressed to the K9s
Where: TACAW
When: Sept. 7 at 5:30pm
Tickets: www.coloradoanimalrescue.org