DAPHNE, Ala. — The Haven has announced the return of its annual Tails of Hope Gala, set for Oct. 1 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Daphne Civic Center.
This year’s theme, The Art of Rescue, will “transform the gala into an elegant, immersive gallery-inspired experience where every rescued animal is a masterpiece and every story is worth celebrating.”
The Signature Event
The gala is The Haven’s signature fundraising event, bringing together animal lovers, business leaders, community partners and supporters for an evening of connection, compassion and impact.
This year’s event features curated displays of adoptable pets, powerful rescue stories, a live auction, food, music and opportunities to support The Haven’s lifesaving programs.
What the Numbers Show
In 2025, The Haven:
- Helped 804 animals
- Celebrated 412 adoptions
- Provided $63,112 in medical care
- Administered 1,898 vaccines
- Performed 473 spay and neuter surgeries
Those figures repay a closer look, because they describe where a rescue organization’s money actually goes.
The $63,112 in medical care across 804 animals works out to roughly $79 per animal — and that average conceals enormous variation. Most animals need vaccination, deworming and a spay or neuter. A few need orthopedic surgery, heartworm treatment or extended care for injury or illness, and a single such case can cost more than fifty routine intakes.
The 473 spay and neuter surgeries are the figure with the longest reach. Each one prevents future litters, which is the only intervention that reduces intake numbers rather than processing them. An organization performing that many surgeries in a year is working on the supply side of the problem, not just the demand side.
The gap between 804 animals helped and 412 adoptions also tells a story. The difference includes animals still in care at year’s end, animals transferred to partner organizations, animals returned to owners and animals whose medical needs were addressed without a change in ownership.
Entertainment and Emcees
Mr. Big & the Rhythm Sisters return with their high-energy jazz, R&B and interactive entertainment.
The Haven also welcomes back co-emcees and longtime supporters Cherish Lombard and Glenn “Qtip” Johnson.
Adoptable Pets at a Gala
Placing curated displays of adoptable animals inside a formal fundraising event is a deliberate choice, and an effective one. Guests at a gala have already demonstrated interest and capacity to support the cause; a meaningful share of adoptions at events like this happen among people who arrived intending only to write a check.
It also changes the character of a live auction. Bidding tends to run differently in a room where the beneficiaries are physically present.
If You Go
- What: Tails of Hope Gala — The Art of Rescue
- When: Wednesday, Oct. 1, 6 to 9:30 p.m.
- Where: Daphne Civic Center
- Benefiting: The Haven
Ticket and sponsorship information is available through The Haven.