SOLD OUT
If you still would like to support this year’s event, consider making a donation – thank you so much!
Saturday, October 17, 2026
The Pfister Hotel, Downtown Milwaukee
5:30pm – 10:00pm
Join our co-chairs, Corey Kmichik & Amy Vanselow and Dr. Eric & Brenda Knight, at our annual Paws & Claws Gala!
The Paws & Claws Gala is the Wisconsin Humane Society’s largest fundraising event of the year. Held at the historic Pfister Hotel, the event is attended by nearly 500 business leaders annually and features a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, raffles and games, wine pull, formal dinner, and program.
Plus, it’s the only gala in town where you can mingle with shelter pups and some of our very best animal ambassadors! You don’t want to miss this!
Event Specifics
Night-of Details
Check-in opens at 5:30 p.m. on the 7th floor of The Pfister Hotel.
Valet parking will be available for all guests at the main entrance of The Pfister Hotel. Volunteers will greet you at the main elevators to start your Gala experience!
Once in the event, you will be asked to give your name at the check-in table and a credit card to pre-swipe in order to participate in the auction and games! There are no physical tickets for the event.
Attire: Formal/Black-tie optional
Event Timeline
| 5:30 PM | Registration, complimentary cocktail reception, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, wine pull, spirits pull, gift card pull, games, photo booth, and of course, mingling with plenty of furry friends! |
| 7:30 PM | Dinner, live auction, and program |
| 9:30 PM | Auction check-out & item pick-up |
Support the Auction
Questions? Contact Meredith at auction@wihumane.org or
(414) 431-6113.
The Paws & Claws Gala Auction is open to all!
Our massive online silent auction features more than 250 items including jewelry, home décor, dining packages, one-of-a-kind sports memorabilia, wine & spirits, spa services, pet products, and more!
Not attending the gala? No problem! You can still support WHS by bidding online any time before the silent auction ends this Saturday, October 17 at 8:45 p.m. and we’ll arrange pick-up with you following the event.
Sponsor the Event
For sponsorship information and questions, please contact Billy at bzakrzewski@wihumane.org or (414) 431-6133.
Thank you to our 2026 Gala Sponsors:
