Paws to Celebrate 2026

With thousands of homeless animals across the Valley in need of care and a second chance, Foothills Animal Rescue is turning to the community in a meaningful way. On Saturday, May 9, 2026, the rescue will host Paws to Celebrate at the Clayton House in Scottsdale, an elevated evening where dining, entertainment and philanthropy come together in support of animals still waiting for a place to land.

The need is growing. In 2025 alone, Foothills Animal Rescue cared for 1,067 animals, a 33 percent increase over the previous year, underscoring the rising demand for both capacity and more complex, compassionate care. Today’s rescue work increasingly includes medical treatment, behavioral rehabilitation and extended care, ensuring animals are not just saved, but truly prepared for successful adoption into permanent homes.

“Paws to Celebrate is more than a fundraiser,” said Lana Shapiro, Chief Advancement Officer for Foothills Animal Rescue. “It’s a reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together for animals who have nowhere else to turn. This year, that support is helping us think even bigger about what comes next.”

Set inside one of Scottsdale’s most sought-after event venues, the evening unfolds as both a celebration and a call to action. Guests will begin with a lively cocktail hour, exploring the Clayton House while enjoying gourmet bites, an open bar, music and a silent auction featuring curated items and experiences. The night continues with a live auction and a seated buffet dinner, where powerful stories of resilience, recovery and the community that makes second chances possible bring the mission into focus.

Every dollar raised supports the full continuum of care, including food, veterinary treatment, safe shelter and the essential infrastructure required to sustain a high level of lifesaving work. That investment allows the organization not only to serve more animals, but to give each one a stronger path to adoption.

Event highlights include:

• An Evening to Remember. A dynamic night of dining, entertainment and immersive storytelling.
• Direct Impact. Proceeds support food, medical care and shelter for more than 1,000 animals each year.
• Community Connections. A shared space for advocates, donors and animal lovers to come together.
• Purposeful Giving. Opportunities to support Foothills Animal Rescue through auction proceeds, sponsorship and direct contributions.

At its core, the evening brings together a community of supporters, from longtime advocates to first-time guests, all united by a shared commitment to giving animals a second chance.

Tickets are $250 per person, with tickets available through May 1. Early commitments do more than secure a seat; they help the organization plan ahead and scale care to meet rising demand. For local organizations looking to get involved, Foothills Animal Rescue is still looking for sponsors and auction item donations for the fundraising event.

“Every rescue begins long before adoption day. It starts with people who are willing to show up, give back and invest in second chances,” Shapiro said. “That kind of support is what allows us to keep growing and reach more animals in need. When a community comes together like this, the impact goes far beyond a single evening.”

To purchase tickets or learn more, visit here.