5:00pm VIP ticketholders only: early check-in and professional photos in the courtyard gardens

5:30pm Cocktail hour, silent auction and raffle in the Garden Gallery

7:00pm Gourmet 3-course plant-based feast and program of speakers, featuring Carl Safina and HSHV President & CEO Tanya Hilgendorf

8:00pm Online silent auction closes

General Admission tickets increase to $200 on August 11th

$170 General Admission ($125 tax deductible): Dinner + drinks + silent auction

$400 VIP ($225 tax deductible): Limited quantity. Includes all of the above + preferred seating + professional photo at the event + Compassionate Feast swag bag including event tee and autographed book by Carl Safina (see image below)

Carl Safina
Ecologist & Author

Carl Safina is an ecologist, author, and founding President of the Safina Center. He is the first Endowed Professor for Nature and Humanity at Stony Brook University. His work centers on animal psychology and the relationship between humans and nature. His book “Alfie & Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe,” is a moving account of raising, then freeing, an orphaned screech owl, whose lasting friendship with him illuminates humanity’s relationship with the natural world.

County Commissioner Justin Hodge

Justin Hodge has served as Washtenaw County Commissioner for District 5 since 2021. He and his wife, Tajalli Hodge, live in the Sugarbrook neighborhood in Ypsilanti Township. Commissioner Hodge began his career as a clinical social worker, providing vital mental health services to children, adults, and families. He also provided services to build wealth in communities and promote economic mobility, including college savings accounts for children and free tax preparation for low-income families. Now, as a professor of social work at the University of Michigan, Commissioner Hodge teaches courses to prepare his students to find policy solutions to address the most pressing problems impacting our society with a focus on social, economic, and racial justice.

Volunteer of the Year Award Winner – Kathy Spain

Kathleen (Kathy) Spain began her volunteer journey with HSHV in 2001, and for the past 24 years she has been a dedicated, compassionate presence in our shelter.

With over 5,000 volunteer hours completed, Kathy spends much of her time with the dogs in our holding area, who are some of our most vulnerable residents. Always warm and caring, Kathy offers them patience, comfort, and love during their stay.

Her dedication doesn’t stop with the animals; over the years, she has made countless friends, supported fellow volunteers, and lent a helping hand to staff whenever needed. Reliable, kind, and deeply committed, Kathy has touched the lives of thousands of animals and the families who love them. We are honored to recognize her extraordinary impact with the Volunteer Achievement Award.