The Humane Society has a lot to celebrate this year, and you can be a part of it

Megan Raposa -

This is a paid piece from the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

Simplified: The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society is recognizing record adoptions in 2023 and garnering support for the rest of 2024 during its annual Paws to Celebrate event next month. Here's what you need to know.

Why it matters

  • The Humane Society takes in thousands of animals each year. Last year, more than 3,800 animals were adopted – an all-time record and about 1,000 more adoptions than the year prior.
  • The organization's work depends primarily on the generosity of local donors, and Paws to Celebrate is the Humane Society's largest annual fundraiser. This year's event will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on April 20 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.
  • On average, The Humane Society spends about $300 on each animal it takes in – including the costs of medical care, spay or neuter and housing.
"Paws to Celebrate helps us get support to cover all of the intakes and things that we do throughout the year," said Dana Peterson-Konzem, community outreach director. "That way we can help more animals."

Tell me more about the event

Paws to Celebrate usually sees about 300 attendees, Peterson-Konzem said.

This year's event will start with check-in at 4:30 p.m. with appetizers from four local chefs, mini games, and a silent auction.

  • Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. followed by a live auction.

Tickets are $75 each or $700 for a corporate table of 10. Each ticket includes dinner, access to the auctions and two drink tickets.

In addition to good food and quality auction items, the event also serves as a time to celebrate wins and recognize the donors who've made the Humane Society's work possible.

"Yes, it's a fundraiser, but it's also a 'friend-raiser,'" Development Coordinator Madison Godschalk said. "It's a way for us to honor and thank those who've really helped us."

How else can I support the Humane Society?

The organization is always accepting donations. You can donate pet food and wish-list items here.