This article was featured in WYDaily on 1/3/25

Get ready to paw-ty in style! The Heritage Humane Society is rolling out the red carpet for its first-ever Black Tie & Tails Gala — a spirited evening of glamour, good vibes and giving back. Whether looking to dust off dancing shoes, channel one’s James Bond in a penguin suit or simply looking for a fabulous reason to stick to those New Year’s wellness goals, this Feb. 15 event is a new chance to shine. With gourmet dining, live music by the high-octane swing band Good Shot Judy, and the chance to help local homeless pets, this is Greater Williamsburg’s newest soirée.

Start 2025 dressed to impress

New Year’s resolutions often promise a focus on wellness and self-improvement, and The Heritage Humane Society has just the incentive to keep those goals on track. On Saturday, Feb. 15, the organization is hosting its inaugural Black Tie & Tails Gala at Colonial Heritage in Williamsburg. The evening of elegance and advocacy promises to be dazzling, giving area pet lovers the purr-fect reason to look dapper and feel their best on Valentine’s Day weekend. For those interested, but not so eager to don black tie, no worries as this event is black tie optional.

An elegant evening of advocacy

Presented by Diamond Collar Sponsor Kaz Vision & Laser Center, this gala promises an entertaining evening of dining, dancing, and delightful surprises, all while supporting the shelter’s mission of helping homeless pets in need. Attendees will enjoy a plated dinner, wine, beer, and a live performance by ever-popular and fellow animal welfare advocates Good Shot Judy. For those looking to elevate their evening, VIP guests will be treated to a champagne reception with hors d’oeuvres before the main event.

Tables, tickets and sponsorships for pet lovers

Black Tie & Tails is more than a gala — it’s a celebration of community and compassion. From the VIP perks to exciting raffles and a stunning ballroom setting, the event has been crafted to make every guest feel like a Top Dog or the Cat’s Meow.

Ticket options are available online and include options for individual tickets and tables:

  • Top Dog VIP Table of Eight — $1,500
    Includes VIP champagne reception, hors d’oeuvres, 10 raffle tickets per guest, parting gifts, preferred seating, table recognition, and ad placement in the event guide.
  • Cat’s Meow VIP Table of Eight — $1,500
    Offers the same exclusive perks as Top Dog, including a champagne reception, raffle tickets, gifts, and premium table recognition.
  • Furry Friends Table of Eight — $1,000
    Enjoy the event with personalized table recognition in the event guide.
  • Individual Ticket  $150

Be a star for shelter pets with sponsorships and raffles

For those aiming to make an even greater impact like Diamond Collar Sponsor Kaz Vision & Laser Center and Media Sponsor 92.3 FM The TideWYDaily and Cannon Country 107.9 FMsponsorship opportunities and raffle donations are available. Whether it’s through contributing experiences, gift cards, or baskets for the raffle or securing a sponsorship, there are plenty of ways to support this paw-sitively glamorous event. To learn more and to get involved, email [email protected] or call 757-221-0150 ext. 1008.

Leave the fur babies at home — this special evening is for humans

Attendees must be 21 years or older, and while pets are encouraged in spirit, the event is for humans only.

So, dust off that tuxedo or gown, polish those dancing shoes, and prepare to paw-ty for a purpose. After all, who doesn’t want an excuse to look fabulous while helping furry friends in need?

Ready to be adopted for the new year

Nearly 180 dogscats and small pets are currently in the shelter’s care. Adoptable pets are available to meet during The Heritage Humane Society’s visiting and adopting hours from noon to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

To learn more, visit HeritageHumane.org, call 757-221-0150, or visit The Heritage Humane Society located at 430 Waller Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185.


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