Two-Night Animal Friends Gala Welcomes Jackson Galaxy

Animal Friends’ Black Tie & Tails was held on Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21. The two-night gala hosted more than 600 guests and raised more than $760,000 for Animal Friends’ lifesaving mission and programs during a one-of-a-kind event on Animal Friends’ campus.

The animals were on their best behavior as they welcomed celebrity guest Jackson Galaxy, two-time New York Times best-selling author and host of Animal Planet’s My Cat From Hell. The behavior theme carried throughout the event with an emphasis on Animal Friends’ Behavior Program and stunning photos featuring the animals and models with tattoos, inspired by Jackson Galaxy’s recognizable tattooed look.

Over the course of the two evenings, guests mingled with Animal Friends’ animal residents, bid on auction items, enjoyed decadent food and drinks and heard stories about Animal Friends’ work.

Also in attendance were Animal Friends’ interim President & CEO Kathleen Beaver, Animal Friends’ Board Chair Gina Carlos, Bob Fragasso of Saturday night’s presenting sponsor Fragasso Financial Advisors, Friday emcee Kelly Sasso from WTAE, ’43 Friends Chair Jim Krenn, Saturday night emcees Ashley Dougherty from WTAE and Cris Winter from WISH 99.7FM.