Wine & Whiskers is one of the most important nights of the year for us at the Peoria Humane Society. The funds raised during the event help support the day to day work that often happens behind the scenes, from covering medical care to giving animals the time and space they need to recover and eventually find a forever home.
It’s also a chance to bring people together who care about that work, whether they’ve supported us for years or are just getting to know what we do. We want to share a few highlights from this year’s event.
1. Numbers Were Up
We welcomed more than 200 people this year, including guests, sponsors, volunteers and Board members, which is a noticeable jump from last year! Even more encouraging, the event raised over $26,000, topping last year’s total. It was great to see such a large gathering of support!
It was one of those evenings where you could feel the momentum. Conversations carried across the room, people stayed longer, and there was a steady hum of excitement from start to finish. To everyone who showed up and supported the event, thank you. You helped make it something special.
2. Cheers to Moose
If you’ve spent any time around Peoria Humane Society, PCAPS or the River Kitty Cafe, you probably know Moose. He became something of a fixture in our office and in the shelter during his journey to adoption and quickly won people over.
When Moose first came to the shelter, he needed significant care. He was dealing with gingivitis and gastrointestinal issues that required ongoing treatment. With our support, PCAPS gave him the space and time he needed to heal, which meant seven months in the shelter before he found his home. Even now, we continue to support some of his dental needs as he keeps improving.
This year, Moose was featured on the Wine & Whiskers tasting glasses. It felt like the right way to celebrate a story that reflects what we aim to do every day. He’s doing well, he’s loved, and he’s exactly why this work matters.
3. Photos with the Kittens
There’s always a line when the kittens make an appearance, and this year was no different. We had six foster kittens from PCAPS who quickly became the center of attention. Guests spent time holding them, playing with them, and, of course, taking plenty of photos.
We also saw a lot of genuine interest in adoption, which is always the best outcome. Those moments when someone connects with an animal and starts to picture them at home never get old.
The kittens, along with their mom and Moose, created eleven paw print paintings that were up for grabs during the event. They didn’t last long. Most were claimed before we even reached the halfway point of the evening.
4. Scoop for Sparkles
Scoop for Sparkles came back for its second year and quickly became one of the busiest spots in the room. Guests lined up to dig through kitty litter (with a scooper) in search of prizes, which ranged from PHS merchandise to cat-themed charms and a pawprint diamond necklace generously donated by Jones Bros. Jewelers.
There’s something about the mix of curiosity and surprise that keeps people coming back for another scoop. It was fun to watch the reactions as people uncovered their finds.
On its own, Scoop for Sparkles raised over $2,000, which speaks to just how much people enjoyed being part of it.
5. A Big Thank You to Our Sponsors
This year brought in more local sponsors, along with several new faces. Their support plays a huge role in making an event like this possible.
We’re grateful to WMBD/WYZZ, Busey Bank, Jones Bros. Jewelers, Laurie Adams Country Financial, Kumon Peoria, Trefzger’s Bakery, Mix 106.9, Fritch Heating/Cooling, Lennox, and Uftring Subaru Automall, The wine tastings from Old Mill Vineyard, Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, and Tres Rojas Winery were also a highlight and added a lot to the experience.
It’s always encouraging to see the local community step up in this way.
We’re still thinking about the event, and we’re thankful to everyone who helped make it happen. If you weren’t able to join us this year, there’s still an opportunity to be part of what comes next. Your support helps fund the care, treatment, and time shelter animals need before they find their homes.
If you’d like to contribute, you can make a donation below. Every bit goes toward continuing this work. We’re already looking forward to next year. Cheers.
