STUART, Fla. — The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast’s premier fundraiser — the Paws and Claws Gala — is the largest one of its kind on the Treasure Coast. Presented by the Catsman Foundation, this year’s event, themed “Kool Cats & Diggin’ Dogs,” will be held from 6-11 p.m. on February 21 at the Willoughby Golf Club, 3001 SE Doubleton Dr.
Tickets are $275 per person and may be purchased online at hstc1.org/gala. Each year the gala raises more than $200,000, with all of the proceeds benefiting the shelter animals. Volunteers Diane Coakley and Allola McGraw are co-chairing the gala. Their volunteer committee members are Carol Dippy, Debbie Hansen, Shaun Kelly, Michele McCambridge, Sarah Ralicki, Wendy Talbot, Melony Zaravelis and Kay Ziegler.
In addition to the flavorful fare and specialty cocktails, The Essence of Motown will provide live entertainment and dancing opportunities for the guests to groove to the rhythm of Motown. Attendees are encouraged to dazzle and shine in glitz, glamour and soul attire.
The gala will feature many tempting items to bid on in both silent and live auctions. Beginning February 14, bidding on some featured items can begin early by visiting the humane society’s online auction web page at www.hstc1.org/gala. More items will be added in the days leading up to the event, so organizers are encouraging supporters to keep on checking the website.
Fans of the classic television show, American Bandstand, are in for a special treat, too! Paws & Claws Gala attendees will have the chance to enter a raffle in hopes of winning one of three seats on the “American Bandstand” Rate a Record judge’s panel where they will rate two surprise songs performed by The Essence of Motown. All three judges will be entered into a drawing for the chance to take home a private dinner cruise for four people on the luxurious Food Yacht in Jupiter. Only those who attend the event will be eligible to participate in this raffle.
Presented by The Catsman Foundation, additional sponsors are Apex Pavers & Pools, JetLoan Capital, The Saelzer Atlas Wealth Management Group of Raymond James, Team Parks, Stuart Magazine, and TC Palm.
For event questions, contact Alyssa Bean via email at events@hstc1.org or call 772-600-3215. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Fundraising Associate Shelly Marino via email at development@hstc1.org or by phone, 772-600-3216.
About the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast – The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast (HSTC) is a no-kill animal welfare organization located at 4100 SW Leighton Farm Ave. in Palm City, FL. Since 1955, it has been the leading advocate for animal protection and well-being in the Martin County area. A 501(c)3 private, nonprofit organization, the HSTC is independent and locally operated and relies on donations to support its programs and services. Follow the HSTC on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/humanesocietyTC and Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/hstc1. For more information, visit https://www.hstc1.org or call (772) 223-8822.
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PHOTO IDs next page
Photo IDs (from left) – (Photos by Mitch Eiseman Photography)
Humane Society Luminaries Cover 2026.jpg - Debbie Hansen, Diane Coakley (co-chair), Wendy Talbot, Allola McGraw (co-chair), Melony Zaravelis
HSTC Paws and Claws co-chairs.jpg – Co-chairs Diane Coakley and Allola McGraw
