MEDIA RELEASE

The 14th Annual Hawaii Island Humane Society Tropical Paws fundraiser is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, May 14 at the Four Seasons Hualalai Resort.

Tickets are still available but judging on the pace of sales event organizers are once again expecting a sell out. Those wishing to be part of the festivities are encouraged to purchase their tickets, $100 per person or $1,500 for a reserved table of 10 now.

Tickets are available at HIHS’s Keaau, Waimea and Kona shelters, at Alii Veterinary Hospital, from an HIHS Board Member, or online at www.HIHS.org

Tropical Paws sponsors include Territorial Builders, Nightingale Properties, Bank of Hawaii, the Holdcroft Charitable Trust, Kona Coffee & Tea Co., and Blue Dragon Coastal Cuisine and Musiquarium. Beverages are being provided courtesy of Parducci and Paul Dolan Wineries, Kona Brewing Co., and Huggo’s Restaurant.

Event supporters include Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Big Island Television and Lyman Medeiros. Support for one of the island’s largest silent and live auctions comes from a variety of companies including Tiffany and Co., numerous ocean activity outfitters, island restaurants, hotels here, on Oahu, and even the Four Seasons Resort in Langkawi, Malaysia. Donations have been received from artists including original paintings by Martha Greenwell and Harry Wishard, and fine koa and Hawaiian hardwoods from island woodworkers.

Proceeds from the ‘pawsitively pawsome’ gala event help benefit our island’s animals and the many programs and outreach of the Hawaii Island Humane Society.

Since its inception Tropical Paws has raised more than $450,000 to support vital programs offered by the Hawaii Island Humane Society including the Second Chance Fund and the Spay/Neuter Community Assistance Program.

The Second Chance Fund provides medical care and treatment for abused animals while they recuperate and become ready for adoption. The Spay/Neuter Community Assistance Program is committed to ending pet overpopulation on the Big Island.