Mandy Madon, Bruce McCullers and Jacque Petrone. PHOTO BY STEPHANIE LABAFF

Dogs, cats and animal lovers had a ‘roaring’ good time during the Great Catsby: A Night to Remember at the Heritage Center to benefit the H.A.L.O. No-Kill Rescue in Sebastian.

Proceeds from the evening will help to fund H.A.L.O.’s mission to provide a no-kill safe haven for homeless pets, and protect them from abuse and neglect. Its programs include Snip Happens, which offers low-cost spay/neuter, vaccination, and microchip services; Angel Medical Program, which covers more than $400,000 in veterinary care for rescues annually; and Homeward Bound, a partnership with K91 Training and Consulting to help dogs with behavioral challenges.

A few of the nonprofit’s adoptable dogs and cats were purrfectly content to greet guests alongside a vintage car that appeared to have just rolled out of the 1920s. Guests arrived dressed in flapper dresses, beaded headbands, and tailored suits, fully embracing the spirit of the Roaring ’20s.

Inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, the Heritage Center was transformed into a 1920s-era speakeasy where attendees sipped champagne as they perused auction items, before settling in for a lovely dinner catered by Wild Thyme Catering, and listening to dueling pianos with Felix & Fingers.

“As 2024 comes to a close, H.A.L.O. Rescue reflects on another remarkable year of saving lives, supporting our community, and setting the stage for an even brighter future,” said Jacque Petrone, founder and executive director.

“From heartwarming events to critical programs and exciting projects on the horizon, we’re proud to share the highlights of an impactful year, starting with celebrating 18 years of no-kill rescue and over 22,000 lives saved.”

Looking to the future, Petrone said H.A.L.O. had launched a Fill the Bowl Campaign that featured a $30,000 matching grant. Proceeds will ensure that animals at the shelter are well-fed and cared for in 2025.

Additionally, Petrone said they had remodeled 10 dog kennels and have an additional 70 to complete.

“Plans include raising ceiling heights, replacing gates, tiling floors, and eliminating concrete to reduce stress and anxiety for our dogs,” said Petrone.

“As we celebrate another year of saving lives, H.A.L.O. remains committed to creating innovative programs and partnerships to save even more animals and support families in need. With your help, we’ll continue to grow, improve, and make a difference – one life at a time.”

On Feb. 1, H.A.L.O. will host a SpayGhetti No Balls Festival at the Fellsmere Fairgrounds to benefit their spay/neuter fund. Petrone said proceeds will support their low-cost Snip Happens Voucher Program.

“This program is critical for preventing ‘oops’ litters, reducing pet overpopulation, and keeping pets with their families. Demand for the vouchers has outpaced funding, and we’re committed to expanding this vital initiative to help even more families,” said Petrone.

For more information, visit HaloRescueFl.org.

Photos by Stephanie LaBaff