An Enchanting Masquerade: Highlights From The 2024 Gala

Our community came together on Saturday, November 2nd, for a night of enchantment at the annual Wags to Wishes Gala. The theme was masquerade and our attendees did not disappoint! Looking across the ballroom of the Hyatt Regency in downtown Salt Lake City, a spectator would find a sea of elegant costumes and unique decorative masks. Why did all of these people converge on the Hyatt ballroom in their masquerade finest? To show their support for the Humane Society of Utah and raise much-needed funds for local pets and their families! 

Thanks to our caring supporters, the 2024 Wags to Wishes Gala was the most successful to date. Over $320,000 was raised to support animal care, community clinic services, pet retention, humane education programs, and so much more.

An Evening of Masquerade Fun

This year’s Gala was full of unique and exciting experiences for attendees. The reception hall featured acrobatic performances by artists clad in intricate masquerade attire, and VIP guests enjoyed an exclusive meet-&-greet with Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star, Bronwyn Newport. Guests created lasting memories with their friends and families at a special photo-op provided by PixieGramUtah Photobooth. And, of course, attendees enjoyed their regular gala favorites. Guests were bidding on auction items, participating in the opportunity drawing, and eating delicious food!

A Humane Society of Utah gala would not be complete without the real stars of the show – the animals! Attendees visited the puppy lounge to take a break from the hustle and bustle and get some cuddles from adoptable HSU puppies. The gala program featured heartwarming stories of cats and dogs who overcame adversity and found a better life with the help of HSU staff and generous support from our community of donors. With these stories, attendees witnessed the real-life impact of their donations: animals whose lives are better today because of their support. Three HSU alumni dogs, Belle, Hank, and Xena, even made an appearance to walk the doggy runway and get some well-deserved attention from their adoring public!

A Good Night For A Good Cause

The Wags to Wishes Gala is always a great time, but it is also an important fundraiser. All proceeds from the gala go back to the animals and our community. This message was clear throughout the event. It was an atmosphere of fun, excitement, support, compassion, and care for animals. The Humane Society of Utah is immensely grateful to all who showed up on November 2nd for animals in our community. By bidding, donating, or simply attending, all who participated made a difference for families and pets in Utah! Funds from this event will support shelter care, medical resources, community clinic services, and life-saving programs, reaching thousands of animals and community members as we head into the new year. If you want to help even more animals in this season of giving, you can contribute today at utahhumane.org/donate! 

We hope to see everyone again next year for another great gala and another night of support for animals! Thanks to all who made Wags to Wishes a success!