Those who love animals and a nice, locally brewed IPA are in for an annual treat as Berkeley Humane (BH) throws its “Pints for Paws” (PFP) fundraiser for the 11th year.
Vickie Eiges, BH’s director of development and communications, described PFP’s inception: “Eleven years ago a group of our leadership volunteers came together to create a fundraising event for the dog-loving, beer-loving Berkeley community to support the wellbeing and adoption of animals,” she said. “From year one, it was a love fest!”
This year’s event takes place June 7, from 2 to 5pm, with VIP ticket access at 1pm.
People-loving pooches are welcome to wag and snuffle at the event while their humans quaff local craft beers, ciders, artisan wines, handcrafted vodka and other beverages. There is always live music, and this year will also feature a DJ and games, Eiges said. Food is available for additional purchase, and attendees receive a commemorative glass to enjoy unlimited tastings.
There are several reasons the event has proved so popular. “Of course, it lets people support the cause,” she said. “They can come out for a casual, interactive afternoon with people from all walks of life.”
With an average ticket price of $95 (plus fees), PFP is quite a bit less expensive than the average “gala,” she pointed out, adding, “And you don’t have to get dressed up!”
This year, PFP’s date coincides with California Adopt-A-Pet Day, so BH will have adoptable animals in an area next to the Ninth Street site starting at 11am, and this will be family friendly, in contrast to the 21-and-up PFP. All fees will be waived for dogs and cats of all ages, including puppies and kittens. Every pet is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and made ready to go home the same day. The adoption package includes free vet care, 30 days of pet insurance and discounts on training.
All funds raised by PFP go towards supporting the many services the more-than-90-year-old BH provides. Many East Bay residents may not be aware that the animals in BH’s shelter “are transfers from our local municipal animal shelter partners in an effort to open up space for their incoming animals and reduce euthanasia,” according to BH materials.
Before going to foster homes, which are provided with the tools to care for the animals, all cats and dogs are “provided with the medical care they need to be adopted. They stay in our care until they are adopted,” Eiges said.
Post-pandemic, many people returned adopted animals to shelters, and many people and families are now struggling financially in the current uncertain economic environment, making keeping their pets difficult.
“The shelters are all full,” Eiges said. “Our services are in even more demand.” BH operates a pet-food pantry, “with no questions asked,” she said, where those in need of food to keep their beloved pets can find a way to feed them, instead of surrendering them.
Last November, BH announced a significant milestone as it submitted new building plans to the City of Berkeley for its proposed new animal shelter and hospital, the Bay Area Animal Resource Center (BAARC). The goal is to begin construction by the end of this year.
At the time of the announcement, BH Board of Directors President Dan Lang stated: “[BAARC] includes a veterinary medical hospital and adoption center. The new vision for the organization will include more services for people with pets who might be in need of a little extra support.”
Although Pints For Paws sells out every year, Eiges predicts there will still be tickets available by the time East Bay Express readers view this article.
Pints For Paws, A Community Celebration to Save Animals takes place on June 7 from 2-5pm (VIP entrance, 1pm) at 2700 Ninth St., Berkeley. Tickets: berkeleyhumane.org/events/pints-for-paws.
