Black Tie & Tails Gala
Event Highlights
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Saturday night was record-breaking in every sense, a true reflection of a community that shows up. With 366 attendees and more than $316,000 raised, our 2nd Annual Black Tie & Tails Gala presented by American Pride Automotive became the most successful event in our organization’s history!
What made the evening so powerful was the way our community came together in support of this vital local resource, with every dollar raised staying right here to care for the animals we serve at Greater Williamsburg’s largest animal shelter.
A $300,000 Double Your Impact Opportunity
We are especially grateful for the extraordinary $300,000 gift match challenge from Dan and Micki Chapin! Their leadership has created a rare opportunity to make critical capital improvements to our aging facility, strengthening the foundation of care for years to come.
In the days leading up to the gala, as we were navigating an unexpected and significant plumbing failure at the shelter, their outreach came as a true surprise. What began as a difficult moment quickly became something else entirely, a show of confidence in our work and a commitment to helping us move forward stronger than before.
During the gala and in the days since, we have raised $165,635 towards this challenge, not including the Chapins’ much-needed match. It is a strong start and a reflection of this community’s generosity. The full match remains within reach, and we are grateful the Chapins have extended the timeline to help us get there together.
Dan and Micki Chapin with Kimberly Laska, HHS Executive Director (Photo Credit: Fredericks Photo & Films)
The Moment That Stayed With Me
Of all the moments from the evening, Raise the Paddle stood apart. The room was filled with energy, joy and a shared sense of purpose. It was a powerful reminder of what is possible when our community comes together. Here is the Mission Moment video shared during the program.
Will You Help Carry The Momentum Forward?
Did you know that 80% of our annual operating budget must be from funds that we raise? With this challenge match extended, this moment continues. Every gift now carries twice the impact, bringing us closer to unlocking the full $300,000 and completing the improvements that will support every animal who comes through our doors. Whether you give personally, through your business or by sharing our mission, your support makes a direct and lasting difference–and stays right here in our community.
If you weren’t able to join us this year, I hope you’ll be with us next spring. Until then, you can still be part of this incredible moment.
On behalf of our board, staff, volunteers and the pets in our care—thank you for your kindness, generosity and belief in our mission.
In the Spirit of Caring,
Kimberly Laska, CAWA
HHS Executive Director
Event Booklet
Take a look at the digital version of the 2nd Annual Black Tie and Tails Gala event booklet! Special thank you to our event sponsors for making this amazing celebration possible!
Event Photos
Photos are currently still being edited by our Video Sponsor, Fredericks Photos and Films, but we’ll post them here when they’re ready!
Special shoutout to Matt Chambers and his team from Squared Away Entertainment for all the photo booth fun!
Thank You, Sponsors!
