Well behaved and looking for love, several sweet pups greeted guests as they arrived at the Windsor Beach Club for the 41st annual Cause for Paws fundraising gala to benefit the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County. Not to be forgotten, a litter of adorable kittens melted hearts as they peered out from their carrying case.

As guests mingled over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, the adoptable dogs dispensed plenty of licks, their soulful eyes searching for just the right person. Afterward, guests – seated at long tables strategically placed to accommodate the sold-out crowd – enjoyed an elegant dinner by Chef Justin Schreiber. The lovely tablescapes were designed by HSVB board vice president Lisa McCarthy and her partner at Everyday Elegance Collection, Alex Papachristidis.

“My first job tonight is to thank those who helped make this evening a success,” said Jill Collinson, HSVB board president, acknowledging, on behalf of the animals, all the generous sponsors, the Windsor community and staff, and the HSVB staff and volunteers for making the event so special.

“It’s my pleasure to speak with you because I love what I do and I love talking about what I do. What we do at the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County is we care for animals. We also care for people and we care for the community,” said Nichola Redmond, HSVB interim CEO.

“That’s because animals don’t come to us without a human connection. Sometimes they make that connection at our shelter. Sometimes they come in needing medical help or behavior help, but they need help. What they find at HSVB is hope and healing,” said Redmond.

Last year alone, the shelter cared for 4,380 animals, found homes for 1,806, fostered 4,380, reunited families with 496 pets, and performed 1,904 spay/neuter surgeries. The shelter has a 95.8 percent live release rate, earning it a no-kill shelter status.

Redmond said they hear all sorts of stories, from heartbreaking surrenders to happy matches, before bringing many to tears with an account representative of what happens there daily.

“In your program, you’ll see a picture of a dog named Stevie. Well, I am happy to tell you that Stevie wasn’t here with us tonight because she got adopted today,” said Redmond.

Stevie and a cat were surrendered by a woman and her 4-year-old son who were escaping from a domestic violence situation and were afraid of what might happen to the animals if they were left at home.

“So she did the only thing she knew she could do. She came to the Humane Society so they would be safe,” said Redmond.

“And then she said, ‘I have to tell my son. Stevie is his best friend.’ She said, ‘We need a minute,’” Redmond recalled, adding that while it broke the little boy’s heart, he knew Stevie would be well cared for.

“And he looked at me and he said, ‘Will you tell her that she is a good girl every day.’ And I said, ‘Absolutely. That’s what we do at our shelter,’” said Redmond.

“And you do it in extension, in partnership with us. That’s why you’re here supporting us tonight.

I would ask you, when you are bidding, when you’re giving, bid high, bid often, because what you give will go to help animals like Stevie. And that little boy will remember the kindness that he found at HSBV for the rest of his life,” said Redmond.

Founded in 1953, the Humane Society coordinates with local animal control to offer a safe haven for domestic pets, farm animals and wildlife.

For more information, visit HSVB.org.

Photos by Joshua Kodis