Guest Julia Bentley with one of the puppies being offered for adoption during the sweet event.
This was a special month for animals in our community — and their human friends — as Young-Williams Animal Center celebrated its 20th anniversary serving Knoxville and Knox County. In addition, supporters of the official animal shelter came together for the 10th year of the non-profit’s biggest fundraiser, “Cause for Paws.”
If that’s not reason to celebrate, I don’t know what is. Last year, Young-Williams took in more than 10,000 animals and found homes for nearly 7,000 of them. More than 1,700 were successfully reunited with their owners. And Young-Williams collaborated with rescue groups to provide safe haven for hundreds more.
I am very impressed that Young-Williams has maintained its “no kill” status, which requires that more than 90 percent of the animals taken in are saved from being euthanized. Young-Williams’ “save rate” last year was 92.76 percent.
“What a magical evening celebrating 20 years since Young-Williams opened its doors along with our 10th Annual Cause for Paws,” said Janet Testerman, Young-Williams CEO. “It was heartwarming to see so many people having such a fabulous time while bringing their love of animals and commitment to animal welfare in our community to make it our most successful event yet.”
Cause for Paws was held indoors and outdoors at the Knoxville Museum of Art. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in a big tent in the museum’s June and Rob Heller North Garden with the fun tunes of Ayca and The Sasquatch Acoustic. Dinner was inside in the creatively decorated Ann and Steve Bailey Grand Hall.
Cocktails and mingling in a big tent started the night.
From left, Hancen Sale, Scott Fugate, Archie Ellis, and Lynne Fugate.
Volunteer Laura Wallace with another cute puppy.
Ayca and the Sasquach Acoustic provided a wide variety of classic soft rock songs.
Ayca Yayman sings all genres of music and also plays oboe with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
From left, Bob and Kim Thomas with Jimmy Buckner.
Friends from MoxCar Marketing + Communications, from left, Bailey Ly, Victoria Johnson, and CEO Lauren Miller.
Rebecca and David Kiger.
Volunteer Hannah Dodds and cute little Lindsay.
Lindsay.
Kevin and Maria McHale. That pigeon is actually a purse!
See?
From left, Rick Stone, Muffett Testerman Buckner, Angel Howard, Sam Maynard, and Janet Testerman Crossley.
Kim Thomas and Dino Cartwright.
All the passed appetizers were tasty! They were snatched off the trays as soon as they were presented!
Maria Cornelius and Charley Sexton of MoxCar.
From left, Laura and Harry Gross, Stacy and George Savage, and Janet Testerman.
From left, Erin Donovan, Maria McHale, Sharon Moore, Tina Rolen, and Kristin Grove.
Erin’s corgi is a purse, too!
Inside, the tables were lovely.
The centerpieces were either low flowers, as in the previous photo. Or raised up like the one in this picture. This allowed the conversation to flow.
Loved the table numbers.
And the topiaries!
Janet Testerman Crossley liked them, too!
Joey Creswell and Jacque Hawks.
Patrick Birmingham, chair of the Young-Williams Board of Directors, left, and Alan Carmichael.
Gary and Julia Bentley.
More animals! Volunteer Manager Carmen Shepherd is the “pusher” here!
Who are you and what have you done with my friend, Scott Bird? Ha! This actually is Scott Bird, my former colleague at MoxCar, who is known to be not a huge fan of animals!
Debbie Emery, left, and Robin Brown.
Cliff and Jacque Hawks.
The salads were adorable with their little dog bone-shaped croutons! They consisted of delicious roasted beets atop mixed greens with a honey-yogurt-pistachio crumble and Granny Smith vinaigrette. Dinner was stuffed pork loin with a fall harvest chutney, risotto with charred leeks, wild mushrooms, Fontina and white truffle drizzle, and roasted vegetables; dessert was chocolate torte topped with dark berry compote and Chantilly cream. Food was by By the Tracks Catering.
It was a full house.
Love the big “20 Years!”
CEO Janet Testerman led a short program after dinner followed by a lively auction of 10 items.
Some of us regular attendees of this event have made it a habit to go to The Drawing Room at The Tennessan Hotel for a nightcap afterward. That’s where Jacque Hawks and Mitchell Moseley were heading when I snapped this!
Hancen really liked Maria’s pigeon purse!
And I liked this photo of Dino Cartwright and Mitchell Moseley. It was a great night!
