Friendsgiving Event to Benefit Local Shelter Animals

BRADENTON — Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare will host its annual Friendsgiving fundraiser on Saturday, November 8, from 6 pm to 10 pm, at Manatee County Fairgrounds Veterans’ Hall to celebrate their 9th anniversary of fundraising for Manatee County Animal Welfare shelter animals. 

Friendsgiving brings together animal lovers and advocates for an evening of delicious food, live entertainment, the spirited wine lotto, and both live and silent auctions, with every dollar raised going toward medical care, enrichment, and heartworm treatment for pets in need.

Gift baskets in the live and silent auctions include vacation packages, overnight resort stays, gift certificates for area restaurants, exciting excursions, sports adventures, theme park passes, spa services, jewelry, fishing charters and boating outings, pet-related items, and much more. More than 30 delectable desserts from local, professional bakeries, restaurants, and home bakers will be available through live and silent auctions. Attendees can also take part in the famous wine lotto, special presentations, and a cash bar. Seating is limited. 

Tickets are $50, VIP tables of 8 are available for $800 and include the VIP Experience. All tickets include a delicious menu served buffet-style, prepared by My Pasta Chef, and desserts by Heavenly Palate. Local celebrity Bob Slicker, owner of Slicker’s Eatery, will serve as the auctioneer and emcee, and Mike Sales will provide live entertainment. It is going to be a fun evening of “fun-raising” for the local shelter animals! 

Board president, Kassandra Zess-Pagel, states, “Friendsgiving is a celebration of all we have accomplished. Without the generosity of the community and funds raised through events like Friendsgiving, we would not have been able to save the number of animals we have had over the last nine years. We hope everyone will join us to celebrate this huge milestone and all we have accomplished as a community.” 

Guests will enjoy an inspiring evening surrounded by fellow animal lovers and will hear heartwarming stories of dogs and cats who have found loving homes thanks to FoMCAW’s efforts. Friendsgiving has become a signature event for the nonprofit, raising vital funds that directly impact the well-being of hundreds of animals each year.

Founded to support Manatee County Animal Welfare, FoMCAW works year-round through fundraising, community engagement, and advocacy to ensure every shelter pet receives the best possible care. For event information, sponsorship opportunities, to purchase tickets, or to learn about Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare, visit www.fomcaw.org or call 941-713-3105.