HAP commemorates 150 years; former Delaware SPCA served as the state’s only animal welfare organization for over 90 years
WILMINGTON, DE, October 15, 2023 – Humane Animal Partners (formerly Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA), a statewide animal welfare organization with adoption centers in Wilmington, Stanton/Christiana, and Rehoboth Beach, will host their 150th Anniversary Gala on Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 6 – 9:00 PM. Hosted at the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science, the event aims to raise funds in support of HAP’s mission, in addition to celebrating 150 years of lifesaving work with their beloved community.
Attendees of the Gala will enjoy delicious stationed food and drinks provided by Serock Catering, live music by The Bright Band and DJ Jerry, and a live auction featuring priceless artwork and a silent auction featuring luxury trips around the world provided by AmFund. Guests will also enjoy a curated historical HAP display, full access to the remarkable exhibits throughout the museum, and special commemorative video presentations by Aloysius Butler & Clark and Teleduction. Adoptable dogs will be present to mingle with guests, and there will be a meet and greet opportunity with local feline celebrity, Dude the Museum Cat.
Humane Animal Partners changed its name following the merger of Delaware SPCA and Delaware Humane Association (DHA) in 2022, but the organization’s lifesaving history dates all the way back to 1873 when Delaware SPCA was first established. Delaware SPCA was founded group of compassionate animal lovers, including members of the Wilmington Fountain Society, who began placing water fountains throughout the city of Wilmington for animals and people alike. For 90 years, Delaware SPCA served as the only animal welfare organization in the state of Delaware. Not only was Delaware SPCA the state’s first animal shelter but one of the nation’s first and oldest non-profit organizations.
“Our history began 150 years ago with a group of passionate animal lovers united by a common purpose to better the lives of animals,” says Patrick Carroll, Chief Executive Officer of Humane Animal Partners. Carroll continues, “Today, alongside our community of supporters, we continue to strive to provide lifesaving services for dogs and cats, who in turn provide us with unconditional love.”
Humane Animal Partners’ 150th Anniversary Gala is made possible by the generosity of sponsors including Hill’s Pet Nutrition, The Tuttleman Foundation, Pamela Biddle & Joel Fishman, Middletown Veterinary Hospital, Delaware Park Casino & Racing, Aloysius Butler & Clark, Jay and Maret Headley, Bing’s Bakery, M&T Bank, The Gordon Family, Delaware Today, NewportOne, IDEXX, Senator Jack Walsh and State Representative Kim Williams, KT&D Insurance, Windcrest Animal Hospital, Affinity Veterinary Center of Malvern, Wilmington Animal Hospital, VCA Animal Hospitals, New London Veterinary Center, Longwood Veterinary Center, Harvey Hanna & Associates, and Karen D. Poore, CHFC.
Limited sponsorship opportunities are still available and offer a wide variety of marketing visibility through different sponsorship levels. Those interested may reach out to Kate Callihan, Director of Philanthropy, at kcallihan@hapde.org.
Tickets are $150 each and available for purchase. Those interested may purchase tickets or contribute to support HAP’s mission by visiting givebutter.com/HAP-150Gala. A handful of exclusive VIP tables are still available; those interested should email kcallihan@hapde.org. Visit humaneanimalpartners.org/150th-anniversary-gala/ for additional information on tickets, sponsors, organizational history, and more.
