Furkids’ Paws for Cocktails Raises More Than $400,000
On Saturday, October 17, more than 500 guests gathered at Furkids’ headquarters and sanctuary for the 16th annual Paws for Cocktails, raising more than $400,000 for cats and dogs in the organization’s care. Held at Shiloh Gardens, the event venue on the nine-acre campus founder Samantha Shelton and the Furkids team have spent years bringing to life, it was a record-setting evening and the most impactful Paws for Cocktails in Furkids’ history.
The largest no-kill animal shelter in the Southeast, Furkids has become known for saying yes to cats and dogs at risk in overcrowded shelters, as well as animals who need medical care, rehabilitation or more time to find a home. Guests toured the campus, met adoptable dogs and cats and saw the recently opened Sutherlin Dog Shelter and Giaquinto Medical Center, which expand Furkids’ ability to shelter animals and provide medical care in one place. As evening fell, fire pits glowed across Shiloh Gardens, giving guests time to take in the campus and the people and animals at its heart.
Presented by Eclipse di Luna, the evening featured signature cocktails, music, live and silent auctions, and a generous spread of Latin and Spanish fare. Sweeping displays filled the garden, with a larger-than-life paella station among the dinner offerings.
The live auction featured travel, art, jewelry and dining experiences, including stays in Destin, Cape San Blas, Tulum and Manciano, Italy; a diamond necklace donated by John and Kay Giaquinto; and a wine tasting for 10 at Cork and Glass with food from Casa Nuova. An original painting by James Dean, creator of Pete the Cat, sold for $12,000. An Eclipse di Luna Mojito Party package sold twice, raising $13,000 for Furkids.
“Paws for Cocktails is one of the most meaningful nights of our year because it brings together the people who make this work possible,” says Shelton, founder and CEO of Furkids. “We were so glad to welcome our supporters onto the campus they helped make possible, where they could meet the dogs and cats and see how much care goes into every part of our work. We are deeply grateful for every ticket, bid and gift. Together, we are giving thousands of animals across Georgia a chance to be safe, receive the care they need and find a loving home.”
Funds raised will support Furkids’ rescue, medical care, rehabilitation and adoption programs. In 2025 alone, Furkids has saved 4,601 animals, cared for 5,385 and facilitated 3,878 adoptions. The organization reported a 97.6% live release rate and helped save 1,668 animals through its community clinic.
Eclipse di Luna sponsored the evening’s catering, drinks and servers. Drink partners included Gallo Wines, Lucky One Vodka cocktails and Don Cosme Tequila. Event sponsors included Kay and John Giaquinto, Mary and Chris Albano, Jeff and Jeanine Huebner, Williams Rose Al Cyber Advisory, Small-Anderson Family, Lisa and Jason Brown, Marc and Sheryn Cohen, Susan and Michael Struble, Law Offices of Gary Martin Hays & Associates P.C., The Ben Marion Institute for Social Justice Inc., Elizabeth Van Der Heide & Bill Thomas, Jim Schwendinger, Jack and Glenda Hannings, Leslie Bartlett, Truss & Shanelle, Penar Legal, LLC, Kelly and Trak Coveleskie, Andrea Ledbetter, Jeff and Mary Combs, William and Barbara Reynolds, Amie La Porte-Lewis and Kevin Lewis, Diana Marshman, Jeanne and Bart Ellington, Suzanne Larsen Bagby, Kevin Meaders and Magellan Planning Group, ThirdEye Creative Productions and The Reeves Firm, LLC.
Annual sponsors included Fort and Michele Felker, John and Kay Giaquinto, GGP Services Inc., Soothing Streams, Fred and Nancy Van Patten, Subaru Classic of Atlanta, 97.1 FM The River, Bill Elsey, Beth and Jerry Reeves, VCA Animal Hospitals, Stars and Strikes, and ResQue Rubs.
Furkids will mark its 25th anniversary on April 17, 2027, with its biggest celebration yet. Follow @furkidsatlanta on Instagram and visit furkids.org for more information.
