Animal shelters across the country team up to host the National House Pawty fundraiser

Live-streamed event aims to raise funds and spirits during era of social distancing

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Apr 14, 2020, 13:55 ET

ST. LOUIS, April 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 80 animal shelters and rescue organizations across the United States have joined forces to create the National House Pawty, a livestreamed fundraiser set to take place on Facebook Saturday, April 18, from 6 to 9 p.m. Central Daylight Time.

The event will feature a variety of entertainment ranging from interactive games to celebrity and athlete cameos to live music performances. Details of the event and participating organizations can be found here.

Beginning April 14, individuals are encouraged to raise $250 for their favorite participating pet welfare organization to help event organizers reach their goal of raising $500,000 nationally. The funds will be distributed to participating organizations that have had to cancel fundraisers and adoption events during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purina, a perennial supporter of organizations that help bring and keep pets and people together, has stepped up as presenting sponsor of the National House Pawty.

"In the past month, we've seen a huge increase in pet fosters and adoptions across the country, but there is still a great need among pet welfare organizations," said Jessica Arnold with the Purina Pet Welfare team. "At Purina, we believe life is better when people and pets bond – especially during difficult times. Now more than ever we're proud to support this fundraiser and the shelters that connect people with pets."

The event traces its roots to St. Louis-based Gateway Pet Guardians. In 2016, the organization livestreamed its first Slumber Pawty, with volunteers spending the night in shelters to help long-term shelter pets get adopted while raising funds to support the cause of pet adoption. In 2018, the group expanded the event to include 15 fellow shelters who livestreamed a variety of activities from shelters.

"We're in the midst of a good-news/bad-news situation. We've never seen a bigger demand for shelter pets; but at the same time, shelters large and small are having to cancel fundraising events every day," said Jamie Case, executive director of Gateway Pet Guardians. "We're excited to bring some fresh content to pet lovers across America who are stuck at home – helping to raise their spirits while we raise much-needed funds for the shelters."

For more information about the event, to participate or donate, visit the event's website.

About Gateway Pet Guardians
Gateway Pet Guardians is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal shelter whose passionate and dedicated staff and volunteers care for animals on the streets of East St. Louis, Illinois, and surrounding areas. Our mission is to end homelessness for animals in the Metro East through rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, community outreach and education. To learn more, visit gatewaypets.org.

About Purina
Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Nestlé S.A., a global leader in nutrition, health and wellness. Subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.

SOURCE Purina