Featured photo is from 2010 Annual Paws on Parade event. Paws on Parade is a springtime tradition in the Flint area!
Written by Tanya Terry
Spring starts March 20, 2022, and it’s not too early to start planning to take part in some springtime pleasure! Planning for the Humane Society of Genesee County’s 22nd Annual Paws on Parade has been in full swing! Ties and Tails is an elegant dinner and auction the local organization holds each year. It gives Flint and Genesee County residents the chance to dress up if they would like, dine well, shop and mingle-all for a good cause.
“This is the 22nd Annual,” said Mari Brooks, community events/ volunteer coordinator for the Humane Society of Genesee County.
“We have not held our Paws event for the last two years due to COVID,” Brooks continued. “We are very excited to have Paws back this year as it is one of our biggest fundraisers we hold.”
There will be a buffet dinner for event guests to enjoy this year with a variety of brunch option, as well as a scrumptious dessert buffet!
There will also be a silent auction filled with items donated by local businesses.
“Items range from sports tickets and items (to) dinning and pet items,” Brooks explained. “Items range from $40 and up! Our committee members and wonderful board members work very hard to get the donated items.”
In addition, a live auction will take place in which fun items are being offered.
Some of the items are Sheriff for the Day with Sheriff Swanson, Naming of the Kitty Atrium in one of the Humane Society of Genesee County’s cat rooms, Reverse Auction and, of course, the Paws on Parade Ambassador for next year, which includes a photo shoot for their pet. Those photos will be used in all the publications for next year’s Paws on Parade.”
The Master of Ceremonies for this year is Lisa Marie with Cars 108.
“Our reverse auction this year will be used to improve the cat cages in our cat rooms. This will be a multi step process, but the benefit will have a lasting impact on our cats. Better ventilation, more room and an overall better look will help keep our cats healthy and happy until they find their forever home.”
According to Brooks, the goal is to net $60,000.
“We have met this goal in the past; so we are hoping attendees will be as generous this year!”
Brooks expressed that Paws on Parade brings animal lovers together for a goal of raising much needed funds to take care of the over 200 animals the local Humane Society can have at any given time.
“With everything going on in the world, it is nice to get together in a safe manner and do something nice for the animals.”
Tickets go on sale this month for the April 24 event. Tickets can be purchased on the Humane Society of Genesee County’s website, by going into the shelter or emailing mari.brooks@geneseehumane.org. Be sure to watch their Facebook page for updates.
“We would love to thank the community for all their support over the years. From adopting, donating and volunteering we could not do what we do without all of you!”
