Following a virtual event in 2020, the Humane Society of Sedona’s annual gala has returned as a virtual and in-person event in 2021 with the theme of Pet Lovers’ Masquerade Gala. “We’re excited to be back in person this year. That’s the big thing,” says Felicia Filep, director of development at the Humane Society of Sedona. “It was all virtual last year, which is a totally new thing for all of us, which went very well. But we missed seeing everybody and having the interaction with people and people seeing the animals.”
The gala kicks off with an outdoor reception at the patio and pool area at Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock. Dinner will be held indoors in the ballroom. Food will have a New Orleans theme. The dinner also will feature live entertainment and a live auction. Actual animals will be at the gala so adopters can have a chance to “meet” them in person. Attendees are encouraged to wear masks. The gala is the humane society’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Money raised during the gala supports the organization’s many initiatives including maintaining the shelter, a program called Lost and Found where the shelter takes in animals who are lost or injured temporarily and provides funding to eventually help create a low-cost vaccination and spay and neuter clinic. The gala also seeks to help animals, who mean a lot to many.
“The main thing for us is certainly just getting together with people who love animals and support animals in our community, and it’s so key for us to have that support,” says Felicia. “And we know that the animals, this past year especially, have made such a difference in all of our lives. Being home and having a companion animal is certainly key to keeping one’s mental health and one’s physical health. Especially with a dog, taking them for walks, getting out fresh air, and not feeling homebound, and celebrating the special contributions that they make to our lives. We can’t find homes for these animals without everyone’s support.” − Teresa K. Traverse
SEDONA CALENDAR: Events, activities, shows, happenings
