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Support Indianapolis Animal Care Services at the Howl & Wine fundraiser

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 15:27 GMT by WISH-TV
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Indy Animals Hosts “Howl Wine” Fundraiser to Support Local Shelters

In a spirited blend of fine wine, live music, and the unmistakable chorus of canine companions, Indy Animals recently threw open its doors for a one‑night-only charity event dubbed “Howl Wine”. The gala, held on Saturday, April 5 at the stylish Evergreen Estate on N. St. Louis Ave., was a resounding success, raising more than $12,000 for a trio of Indianapolis’ most in‑need animal shelters.

A Night of “Howl” and Hope

The event’s creative concept was simple yet powerful: each guest would be treated to a curated tasting of three premium wines, paired with an interactive “howl‑off” featuring some of the city’s resident dogs. As the wine flowed, the dogs would “howl” at the microphone, a playful nod to the famous Howl from the classic The Great Gatsby and a reminder that, for many animals, a simple sound can be a call for love and home.

“The idea came from our volunteer coordinator, Maria Sanchez, who’s a lifelong dog lover and a fan of a good cocktail,” Sanchez told WishTV after the event. “We wanted to bring people together in a fun, low‑barrier environment while highlighting the fact that every animal deserves a safe, loving environment.”

Guests received a Howl Wine Starter Pack—a small bottle of house wine and a “howl‑worthy” snack (think gourmet popcorn and canine‑friendly treats). As the evening progressed, the pack was upgraded to a full tasting featuring a local vineyard’s limited‑edition Cabernet, a crisp Chardonnay, and a bold Pinot Noir, each accompanied by a short story about the animals that inspired the pairing.

Partnerships that Amplify Impact

Indy Animals is a non‑profit that operates three shelters in the greater Indianapolis area: The Hounds Haven, Paws & Claws, and Feline Friends. The “Howl Wine” fundraiser was supported by an array of local businesses:

• The Vine House – a boutique winery that supplied all of the wines used during the event, with a portion of the proceeds going directly to Indy Animals.
• Bark & Brew – a popular pet‑friendly café that sponsored the howl‑off and donated a supply of pet food to be auctioned later in the night.
• Soothe Spa – a pet‑care salon that offered free spa services to animals during the event, ensuring the dogs stayed calm and comfortable.

The partnership with The Vine House was particularly noteworthy. The winery’s owner, Luca Rossi, said the collaboration was a “win‑win” because it allowed them to showcase their new spring varietals while giving back to the community. Rossi remarked, “Indy Animals’ mission aligns with our own: supporting local families and giving them the resources they need.”

A Highlight: Live Auction & Live Music

In addition to the wine tasting and howl‑off, the evening featured a silent auction where guests could bid on unique items, including a 2025 vintage wine package, a dog‑friendly “tail‑wag” grooming session, and a limited‑edition pet portrait series by local artist Jasmine Lee. The auction raised an additional $3,500, bringing the total fundraising figure to $12,000.

The music was handled by a local jazz quartet, “Bluegrass Blues,” who performed an uplifting set that kept the atmosphere lively without overpowering the canine chorus. The band’s frontman, Ethan Parker, noted that the event was a “fresh take on charity nights,” encouraging more people to get involved with animal shelters.

Impact on Indianapolis’ Animal Shelters

The funds raised will directly support shelter operations across the three Indy Animals facilities. A portion of the money will go toward medical care for dogs and cats—such as spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations—while another portion will help expand the shelters’ adoption programs. Indy Animals’ Executive Director, Dr. Kevin Lee, emphasized that the fundraiser will enable the organization to reach 35 more animals in need during the upcoming winter season.

“Our shelters are often underfunded, especially during peak winter months,” Lee explained. “Thanks to the generosity of the community, we can continue to provide high‑quality medical care, nutritious food, and loving foster homes for the animals who need them most.”

How to Get Involved

For those who were unable to attend the event, Indy Animals encourages continued support through the following avenues:

1. Donations – Online donations can be made via the Indy Animals website. A 5% match from the local business partner, Bark & Brew, is offered for the first $2,000 raised through the campaign.
2. Volunteer – Shelter volunteers are essential for day‑to‑day operations. The organization runs a “Volunteer of the Month” program, highlighting those who contribute the most time and effort.
3. Adoption – Families looking to give an animal a forever home can visit the shelters’ website to see available animals. The shelters offer a “first‑time adopter” discount on adoption fees during the month of May.

The event also left a lasting imprint on the Indianapolis community, reminding residents that a simple howl, a glass of wine, and a shared laugh can unite people for a noble cause. According to WishTV, the “Howl Wine” fundraiser has already sparked conversation among local news outlets and social media influencers, leading to an uptick in both online donations and volunteer sign‑ups.

Final Thought

“Charity doesn’t always have to be solemn or austere,” Sanchez concluded. “It can be as vibrant and joyful as a night where a dog’s howl syncs with a perfectly poured glass of wine. That’s the spirit of “Howl Wine” – bringing people together, celebrating life, and making a tangible difference for the animals who cannot speak for themselves.”

With the $12,000 raised, Indy Animals is well‑positioned to continue its mission of providing compassionate care for Indianapolis’ animal residents. For more information on upcoming events, donation options, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.indyanimals.org.