PAST EVENTS
Volunteer Luncheon
More than 120 of our dedicated volunteers were honored at a special luncheon on February 6th at the Coronado Center.
While volunteers socialized and enjoyed a catered lunch from Clampit's, President Beverly Fitzpatrick gave an overview of the AWL's statistics in 2024, and a special presentation was given to extraordinary volunteers Chad and Cheryl Schaefer for their amazing contributions to the AWL. Through the years they have fostered and taken care of approximately 1,400 cats and kittens in a special modified room in their home, and we wish them well as they retire. Also recognized was Grady Shepherd, who was presented with the first Sweetie Award,
in appreciation of his tremendous and tireless help to the AWL. Long term volunteers (20+ years!) Jackie Moore, Angela Nickols, and Mary McCullough were also honored for their service, and Bev gave a special shout out to our outstanding Animal Control Officers, Jim Kull and Payge Farewell.
Girls Gotta Howl
More than 500 guests and volunteers filled the Coronado Center on September 23rd for our two Bow Wow Meow Luau tropical themed events - the largest AWL fundraiser of the year. Their generosity netted the AWL $28,000! Guests enjoyed a delicious catered buffet, wine fountain, raffle drawings, large silent auction, doggie parade, and an encore performance by the Cheapendales!
Dog Walkers GET TOGETHER
The AWL's team of dog walkers gathered on April 27th, 2023 at the Balboa Pavilion to get to know one another, share good food, and stories about their favorite dogs! Special thanks to head dog walker Julie Keck who organized the popular event. Pictured are some of our awesome dog walkers!
HONORING OUR VOLUNTEERS - August 31, 2022
Pictured are some of our awesome volunteers who have served the AWL for more than 10 years!
"AWL has the best volunteers!"
Susan Luse, President
VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE AWL
They come from all walks of life, and from a wide geographic expanse, but the AWL
volunteers are all fiercely united in their passion to help animals in need. Simply put,
the AWL wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for the 200+ volunteers who generously give their
time, talents, and expertise. Since their beginnings in 1991, AWL volunteers have been
critical in transforming animals’ lives within the caring and compassionate community
of Hot Springs Village and neighboring areas.
To honor the volunteers for the tireless work they do, a luncheon was held in their honor at the DeSoto Club on August 31st. More than 90 volunteers attended the event, which has been delayed for several years due to covid.
Vice-President Shelley Shepherd quipped that the “cats and dogs have been asking us to do something for you!”
AWL visionaries Cheryl Schaefer, Angela Nickols, and Nancy Jones received awards for the life saving programs they helped established many years ago, including fostering, spay/neutering, and Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR). Pictures can be viewed in the photo gallery below.
Cheryl Schaefer, Angela Nickols, & Nancy Jones received special awards for their life saving work.
Thanks to everyone who supported us at the 30th Anniversary Walk & Wag-A-Thon!
Wonderful weather, great friends (and the opportunity to meet new ones), a scenic trail, plus adorable dogs of all shapes and sizes guaranteed a fun time for all at our Walk & Wag-A-Thon on May 8, 2021.
Over 75 registered walkers and volunteers, along with 40 of our four legged friends, walked along the Balboa Trail to support the AWL. (View photos on the gallery below).
We are grateful to everyone who registered to walk, and especially to their family members and friends who sponsored their walk. To date, more than $8,500 was raised to help care for our adoptable pets.
Special thanks to our generous sponsors: Clampit's Country Kitchen, Brookshires, ReMax, Barkansas Pet Supply, and Artfully Baked & Brewed for providing treats and refreshments; and to Village True Value and Ike Eisenhauer at State Farm for their contributions.
1st Annual K9 Costume Party October 31, 2020
Thank you for supporting the AWL!
Cleverly dressed up K9s and their owners enjoyed the 1st Annual K9 Costume Party on the patio of the DeSoto Club on Halloween. A special thank you to Bryan Garrett, Food and Beverage Manager, for orchestrating the fun filled event. Guests enjoyed a lunch of hot dogs, brats, hamburgers and beverages, as well as a variety of salads. Anita Cox and her daughter Toni from Sweet Treats Bakery provided baked treats, with all proceeds from the lunch sales supporting the Animal Welfare League.
Thanks to everyone's generosity, more than $500 was raised for AWL programs!
The highlight of the afternoon was the "Pooch Parade" and gift cards to POA restaurants were awarded for the best dressed K9s.
Thanks also to Bryan's staff at the DeSoto Club, and to Kim Massey, Human Resources Manager, for their valuable assistance.
We also want to thank Ben E. Keith Company and Miller Lite for sponsoring the event.
Congratulations to the Winners!
3rd place - $25 GC to "Sophie - the Batgirl" and Liz Lovelace
2nd place - $50 GC to "Poppy - the Bad Pet" and Sue Avery
1st place - $100 GC to "Jessie - the Budweiser Dog" and Allison & Mark Allen
Recurring AWL Events
Girls Gotta Howl
Puttin' on the Dog. . . & Cat
Puttin' on the Dog. . . & Cat
This raucous girl’s night out happens every other year, and has gathered loyal followers because of the night’s entertainment and dinner. Catered food, wine fountain, a bit of shopping, style show, and the highlight – a performance by our very own “Cheapendales” dancers.
Puttin' on the Dog. . . & Cat
Puttin' on the Dog. . . & Cat
Puttin' on the Dog. . . & Cat
AWL’s largest fundraiser is held every other year, and has been a repeat success through the years. Participants enjoy a gala evening with dinner and hundreds of auction items to review. A raffle is one of the highlights of the evening with superb prizes available. It is basically a flashy evening for all.
Special Events
Puttin' on the Dog. . . & Cat
Special Events
Often AWL sponsors miscellaneous special events, such as dog walks/shows, charity days at local businesses, adoption events, or other fun events that are not recurring, and from which AWL receives support.