DOGust is the Official Birthday Month for Animal Samaritans shelter dogs and puppies. This special month was created to honor adopted or rescued dogs whose true birthdays are unknown. DOGust ensures that every dog gets a birthday, even if it's not their actual one.
And to celebrate this special month, Animal Samaritans will host its sixth annual DOGust birthday bash Aug. 29 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kimpton Rowan in Palm Springs.
Guests will enjoy wine, lunch and bingo hosted by local drag talent Miss Burna and will have the opportunity to win "pawesome" prizes. On hand will be adoptable dogs and puppies. Personal pets will not be permitted but service animals are welcome.
Your $50 ticket includes a delicious lunch with wine, rounds of bingo,
where guests can compete for fabulous prizes (all guests receive one bingo card per game) and dog-themed gifts for every guest.
Prizes include a staycation at Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs, dinner for four at The Ritz Carlton's State Fare Bar and Kitchen, a BarkBox pet package, a pet communication session with Francis W. Greenspan and more.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet adoptable dogs and puppies that are available for adoption.
Special thanks to presenting sponsor Flood Response Restoration Services and wine and puppy play area sponsor the Cruz Eberle Foundation for supporting the event.
Also back — and worse than ever! — is the nonprofit's third annual Poorly Drawn Pets fundraiser. Because what better way to celebrate DOGust than with some hilariously questionable artwork?
The goal is to raise $10,000 for the homeless dogs and puppies at Animal Samaritans Safe Haven Shelter. Make a $20 donation and submit a photo of your pet and a volunteer "artist" (note the quotation marks) — including some brave local celebrities — will create a one-of-a-kind delightfully awful portrait of your beloved pet. Whether it’s oddly shaped ears or Picasso-level proportions, your portrait is guaranteed to make you smile and support a great cause.
Learn more at animalsamaritans.org.
As philanthropy editor at The Desert Sun, Winston Gieseke writes about nonprofits, fundraising and locals who give back, like his beloved rescue dog, Ernie Banks, who volunteers at the local cancer center. Reach him at winston.gieseke@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Animal Samaritans celebrates annual DOGust with event, fundraiser
