The Forever Gala to support rescued animals returns to the Isabel

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The inaugural Forever Gala at the Isabel Bader Centre in 2019. Photo via Kingston Animal Rescue.
In less than a month, Kingston Animal Rescue (KAR) will hold its third Forever Gala — a fundraiser that allows the organization to provide exceptional care and place rescued animals in committed forever homes.
The gala will take place on Friday, May 3, 2024, at the Isabel Centre for the Performing Arts. This year’s goal is to raise $30,000, according to a release from KAR.
“Kingston Animal Rescue’s mission is to end the suffering of animals with rescue, rehabilitation, adoption and education,” the organization shared.
During its 2022-23 fiscal year, KAR spent $62,333 on medical care and rescued 56 animals, as well as supporting several long-term or sanctuary animals (animals with exceptional medical needs that make them unadoptable). The organization’s total annual budget is $110,000.
“The Gala makes a huge impact on our ability to rescue and provide care to animals that otherwise would have no hope. We are a mostly volunteer-run organization with one full-time staff member. That we can raise nearly half our annual medical budget in one night is transformational,” said Alison Migneault, Co-founder of Kingston Animal Rescue.
According to KAR, last year they reached the “incredible milestone” of 1,000 animals rescued.
“Our 2022 gala raised $31,350! The math is simple: this fundraiser is crucial to our small charity and the animals that depend on us. Your support will save so many,” the organization expressed.
Kingstonist inquired as to why KAR did not hold a Forever Gala last year.
“We had to cancel/postpone last year’s until this year because ticket sales were so low,” shared Jessica Hellard, co-founder of KAR. “The economy has been a huge hit for our event, sponsors, and donations overall.”
Hellard noted that the organization also decreased the ticket prices for the fundraiser: “to make it more affordable so we get people to come.”
“It’ll mean less raised for the animals but we had to adjust to try and have a successful event!” she explained.
Founded in 2010, the KAR has rescued 1,070 animals, focusing on “last-chance animals:” those facing euthanasia in a shelter; stray animals; and animals with significant medical challenges.
KAR shared details on one such animal, Winston, a one-year-old black Goldendoodle that the organization saved from euthanasia.
According to the release, Winston has severe hip dysplasia and needs a full hip replacement, a two-part surgery performed by an orthopaedic specialist that will cost a minimum of $15,000. This year’s Forever Gala will primarily benefit Winston with any additional funds raised supporting other animals in Kingston Animal Rescue’s care.
Winston will need two total hip replacement surgeries to be able to run again. Photo via the Forever Gala website
“Winston is a loveable and very sweet dog who would have been euthanized without our intervention,” Hellard said.
“Instead, he now lives with a dedicated foster family and this spring he’ll have this much-needed surgery, which will restore his mobility and set him up for an amazing life.”
Tickets to The Forever Gala are $150 each or $1,400 for a table of 10. The evening features a red carpet welcome and photography, a reception, vegan fine dining by local caterers Knifey Spooney, live music, and live and silent auctions. For more details, and to purchase tickets or sponsorships, visit the Forever Gala website.

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