Some pets chase tennis balls, while others are bound to become calendar stars. The spotlight is ready to shine on some of St. Augustine’s most lovable local pets as the St. Augustine Humane Society rolls out the red carpet for its 16th annual Pin Up Paws Gala and Auction. This gala will unveil the 2027 Broadway-themed “Center Stage” calendar, while raising money to support veterinary care and other lifesaving services for pets throughout the community.
Now in its 16th year, Pin Up Paws has become St. Augustine Humane Society’s signature fundraiser, inviting local pets to compete for a featured spot in the annual calendar. This year, 2,500 full-color copies of the 2027 “Center Stage” calendar will be printed, giving animal lovers a chance to celebrate this year’s furry stars. The gala will mark the official unveiling of the finished portraits while bringing supporters together to help fund the Humane Society’s programs and services for local pets.
This year’s “Center Stage” calendar winners
“Pin Up Paws is the largest fundraising event that the St. Augustine Humane Society hosts every year. This is a night I circle on the calendar in January and look forward to all year long,” says Krista Brown, development director. “It’s a great way to provide much-needed lifesaving support to animals who need it the most and have a lot of fun at the same time.”
The gala takes place Thursday, September 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Casa Monica Resort & Spa. Guests can enjoy dinner, complimentary wine, a cash bar, live jazz from the House Cats Jazz Quartet, a silent auction, wine pull, photo booth, and a complimentary copy of the 2027 “Center Stage” calendar.
The silent auction will once again feature a variety of items, including Columbia Restaurant gift certificates provided through the restaurant’s annual Community Harvest program. Throughout September, diners at Columbia Restaurant can choose to donate 5% of their check, excluding tax and tip, to the St. Augustine Humane Society as part of the monthlong fundraiser. Since launching in 1998, Community Harvest has generated more than $4.5 million for nonprofit organizations across Florida.
Those who can’t attend the gala in person can still support the Humane Society by participating in the online auction at PUPauction.org. A selection of auction items is already available for preview, with bidding opening August 24.
Proceeds from Pin Up Paws help fund the St. Augustine Humane Society’s programs and services, including low-cost spay and neuter surgeries, wellness and preventive veterinary care, pet grooming, and a pet food pantry. The nonprofit’s mission is to promote healthy, responsible, lifelong pet ownership by serving the medical and rehabilitative needs of companion animals in our community.
Last year’s calendar is also available for pickup at no charge in the Humane Society’s lobby during business hours at 1665 Old Moultrie Road.
To learn more about the Pin Up Paws Gala, purchase tickets or browse the online auction, visit the St. Augustine Humane Society’s website at staughumane.org. For additional information, contact Carolyn Smith at Admin1@staughumane.org or 904-829-2737.
