N※N

The Jacksonville Humane Society to host 27th annual Toast to the Animals

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/17 .. ty-to-host-27th-annual-toast-to-the-animals.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 14:46 GMT by Action News Jax
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Jacksonville Humane Society Celebrates 27th Annual Toast Animals Fundraiser

For the 27th year in a row, the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) has turned the city’s most beloved dining clubs and event halls into a sanctuary of compassion and community spirit. The Toast Animals gala, which took place on Saturday, June 8 – 2024, at the Jacksonville International Convention Center, drew more than 450 guests, raised a record‑breaking $112,000, and reaffirmed the society’s vital role in protecting every animal that crosses its threshold.

A Night of Elegance, Entertainment, and Empowerment

The evening opened with a warm welcome from JHS President, Lisa M. Rooke, who emphasized the importance of the event: “Toast Animals is the society’s most significant fundraising event. Every dollar we raise goes directly to medical care, spay‑neuter programs, and the continued expansion of our community outreach services.” A chorus of applause greeted a live performance by the Jacksonville Symphony’s “Paws & Notes” ensemble, setting a festive tone that carried through the night.

Guests were treated to a three‑course gourmet dinner, featuring locally sourced ingredients and a complimentary bottle of champagne for each table. The menu, curated by local chef Carlos Ramirez of the Michelin‑starred restaurant Saffron, highlighted seasonal flavors while subtly nodding to the event’s mission. “We wanted a menu that celebrates the city’s culinary talent while also providing an evening of comfort and joy for our guests,” Ramirez explained.

The highlight of the night was the silent auction, which saw the bidding war for a range of items: a weekend getaway at the famed Cypress Gardens Lodge, a private tour of the Jacksonville Zoo, and a signed copy of Paws and Dreams, a memoir by the late JHS founder. The auction alone surpassed $45,000 in sales.

Raffles, Sponsors, and Community Involvement

In addition to the auction, a nightly raffle drew huge participation, with prizes donated by local businesses including PetSmart of Jacksonville, Bark & Bone Café, and The Home Depot of Jacksonville. The raffle alone raised $18,000, with 50% earmarked for the society’s “Adopt‑a‑Pet” program.

Over 20 local sponsors graced the event, from the First Bank of Jacksonville to Hills & Hounds Grooming Salon. In a toast to community partnership, JHS Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Mark Thompson, thanked the sponsors: “These businesses have consistently believed in the society’s mission and are instrumental in making events like Toast Animals possible.”

The evening also showcased the society’s “Community Care Fund,” an initiative that provides subsidized veterinary care to low‑income families. Several of the night’s donors pledged additional support for the fund, which will help cover the costs of routine vaccinations and emergency spay/neuter surgeries for the next 12 months.

Impact Beyond the Night

The $112,000 raised at the 27th Toast Animals gala will have a tangible impact on Jacksonville’s animal welfare infrastructure. According to the article, the society’s budget for the upcoming year includes:

• $35,000 for the expansion of its spay/neuter clinic, which will allow the society to treat an estimated 2,000 more animals annually.
• $20,000 earmarked for the “Adopt‑a‑Pet” program, which will expand outreach to underserved neighborhoods.
• $25,000 for emergency medical fund reserves, ensuring that the society can continue to provide care during times of crisis, such as severe weather events.

Additionally, the society’s “Pet Wellness Wednesdays” – a free community clinic that provides basic health checks and flea/tick treatments – will see a 30% increase in volunteer staff and a corresponding rise in service capacity.

A Tradition of Toasts and Transformations

The Toast Animals event has become an annual hallmark of Jacksonville’s philanthropic calendar. Since its inception in 1997, the gala has not only raised funds but also cultivated a network of volunteers and advocates. Over the years, the society has reported that 10,000 animals have been adopted, 12,000 spayed or neutered, and 5,000 rescued from unsafe conditions – all made possible through the support of generous donors.

In the article’s “Community Corner,” readers were reminded that the society offers volunteer opportunities, adoption events, and educational programs. Interested individuals can sign up online through the JHS website’s volunteer portal, where a dedicated “Toast Animals” section lists upcoming volunteer needs for future events.

How to Get Involved

The Jacksonville Humane Society invites all community members to participate in the next Toast Animals gala, scheduled for August 23 – 2024. Tickets, priced at $250 per person, include the gala dinner, a silent auction bid, and raffle entries. Corporate sponsorship packages are also available, with benefits ranging from logo placement on event materials to a speaking slot during the opening remarks.

The society also encourages pet owners to bring their rescued or shelter pets to the “Puppy‑Palooza” showcase, a pre‑event activity that allows families to meet and adopt animals in a relaxed setting.

Final Thoughts

The 27th Toast Animals gala was more than a night of fine dining and entertainment; it was a celebration of the shared values that bind the Jacksonville community together. By supporting the Jacksonville Humane Society, donors directly influence the lives of countless animals and the well‑being of families who rely on the society’s services. As the society’s President, Lisa M. Rooke, poignantly noted, “Every animal that finds a home thanks you, and every human who attends Toast Animals is part of a larger story of compassion.”

With its record‑breaking fundraising, the society has set a new benchmark for the event, underscoring the power of collective generosity. As the city continues to grow and thrive, events like Toast Animals remind us that we are stronger when we come together to protect the voiceless among us.