Community Support Ignites at Tuxes & Tails 2026
Seattle Humane saw an outpouring of support on Saturday when patrons of our annual fundraising gala, Tuxes & Tails, shattered expectations by reaching more than $2.4 million in donations—almost $1 million more than 2025—championing lifesaving work serving nearly 100,000 pets and people each year.
“I’m in awe of this powerful group coming together to make such an incredible impact,” said Seattle Humane Executive Director Jessie Swisher Spiers. “Not just for the pets in our shelter, but also for community pets who need a helping hand. This generous support allows us to do important, lifesaving work and make a real difference for pets in need.”
Throughout the event, attendees witnessed the direct ways the organization is already living that mantra, hearing from partners like Riverside County Department of Animal Services Executive Director Mary Martin, who expressed her gratitude for monthly transfers to Seattle Humane that build their capacity to help even more pets.
Guests were also delighted by surprise additions to auction items, a live painting by local artist Henry and a special guest appearance from Seattle Torrent forward and Team USA Olympic Gold Medalist Alex Carpenter.
“It was an honor to help support Seattle Humane’s lifesaving work by walking the runway with a cute pup who has already been through so much in her little life,” shares Carpenter. “We even wore matching gold medals!”
The theme of the evening was “The Power of Kindness,” highlighting the impact made by donations and how much they help the organization achieve.
In addition to adopting out more than 5,000 animals each year, Seattle Humane’s Pet Resource Center provides nearly 1 million meals for community pets annually through Oogie’s Ohana Pet Food Bank, offers dedicated funds to support pet owners facing financial hardship and provides temporary foster care through the SPOT program.
Seattle Humane’s veterinary clinic is open 7 days a week and provides free or low-cost vaccinations to income-qualified neighbors, and the team performed 10,000 surgeries over the last year, including thousands of low-cost public spay/neuter surgeries through their Schuler Family Medical Center.
“It was an inspirational evening filled with people who were ready and willing to help Seattle Humane save thousands of pets every year,” said event chairs Tim and Hiliary Anderson. “We’ve been involved with the shelter for more than 25 years, and we continue to be in awe by their passion, dedication and how they’re always looking for ways to do more.”
Nearly 80 percent of Seattle Humane’s $17 million operating budget comes directly from donations, and the Tuxes & Tails gala is their largest fundraising event of the year.
Catch up on the fun with the Tuxes and Tails 2026 Highlight Reel, and mark your calendar for next year’s Tuxes & Tails: May 15, 2027!
