MERRIAM, KAN – Friends of Heartland SPCA are teasing their hair, pulling up their leg warmers and going “Back to the Future” for Martins Gala 2012: We Heart the ‘80s from 6:30 – 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4^th at the Overland Park Convention Center.

“Martinis Gala 2012: We Heart the ‘80s is our largest fundraiser of the year, and the best way to celebrate the joy that pets bring to our life,” CEO/Executive Director Courtney Thomas said.

All funds raised from the gala directly support the organization’s $4 million budget and mission to save, protect and improve the lives of animals, while strengthening the relationship between pets and their human companions.

“The 2012 format has been totally revamped, and the theme leads to a more open atmosphere where guests can mingle and visit, enjoy sensational food and signature drinks, along with great music and entertainment,” Thomas said. “Get ready to go back – ‘Back to the Future!’”

Susan Hiland of Fox 4 News KC will emcee the evening. Eighties themed music and decor, silent and live auctions, and a surprise performance by a well-known celebrity will keep guests entertained and on their toes.

Generous volunteers will be transforming the Overland Park Convention Center into an ‘80s street scene. Boulevards will keep guests moving through the room, high-boy tables will allow for social conversation and various food stations will take taste buds on a ride.

Seven complete food stations will be strategically placed among the ‘80s street scenes including Italian Family Ties, Back to the Future Asian Style, Caribbean Cocktail, Greek Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo’s Firey Mexican, Brat Pack BBQ and Ferris Bueller’s Vegan Day Out.

Guests are also invited to enjoy complimentary beer, wine and a signature “Electric Lemonade Mutt-ini.”

“Key sponsors and generous community support are allowing our non-profit to really offer an experience, all in celebration of the joy pets bring to our lives,” Thomas explains. “We’ll also have plenty of adoptable pets sharing the story of Heartland SPCA in an ‘80s themed dog park.”

Generous sponsors like Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners, the Kenneth L. and Eva Smith Foundation, The Quinn Foundation and others will make the evening possible. And, the community has generously shown their support with both silent and live auction items.

“Tim Decker, a nationally recognized speed painter, will literally be making art in front of our eyes, combining music, art and humor in an interactive setting,” Thomas explained. “A private soccer lesson with Sporting KC, a once-in-a-lifetime Napa wine experience and a luxurious Colorado vacation will also be included in the live auction.”

Furthermore, Heartland SPCA will be offering an opportunity for one pet to receive the year-long honor of serving as Heartland SPCA’s pet ambassador. The 2012 Furry Face of Heartland SPCA will promote the Heartland SPCA full-service solution and save lives through recognition on Heartland SPCA’s website and promotional materials.

“Elaina G Photography will coordinate the Furry Face of Heartland SPCA with a special sitting,” Thomas said. “And, the Nigro Brothers will keep the live auction informative and entertaining.”

Attire is also key to personal entertainment. Guests are invited to dress to impress with everything from big hair and skinny ties to Swatch watches and leg warmers.

“Ultimately, Martinis Gala: 2012: We Heart the ‘80s will be the party of the ‘decade,’ and will make it possible for us to continue to serve the more than 18,000 pets who depend on us each year,” Thomas said. “Show your support by donating to, attending or sponsoring Martinis Gala 2012: We Heart the ‘80s!”

Sponsorship opportunities and various ticket packages are available beginning at $150 for purchase online or by contacting Special Events Manager Amy Atha at (913) 742-7335 or aatha@heartlandspca.org.

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CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS >>>

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At Heartland SPCA, we believe that no matter what their size, shape or story, all dogs and cats deserve the chance to live long, happy and healthy lives. That’s why our team of experts works hard every day to be a lifeline to a better future for pets by providing comprehensive, affordable medical care, adoption services and innovative community programs. Because we know that with a little support, people and pets can build a bond unlike any other, creating happier homes and a community that values life, love.

Heartland SPCA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.

Thank you to our 2012 sponsors!

Epic Sponsor $25,000

The Quinn Foundation

The Kenneth L. & Eva Smith Foundation

To The Max $10,000

Pat & Janet Curran

Beth & Jeff Dillow

Totally Awesome $5,000

Bayer Animal Health
Friends of KC Animals
Husch Blackwell
Sporting KC

Radical $2,500

The Bradley W. and Linda J. Nicholson Foundation Fund
Garmin
Kathleen Kunkler
T-Kennels
White Goss Bowers March Schulte & Weisenfels
Woof’s Play & Stay

Mark your calendars for the Heartland SPCA Martinis Gala 2012 – We Heart the ‘80s for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4th at the Overland Park Convention Center!  This year’s theme, We Heart the ‘80s, will celebrate the joy that pets bring into our lives! All of the proceeds from the event will allow Heartland SPCA to continue the important work of caring for nearly 18,000 pets in our community each year!

Emceed by Susan Hiland, of Fox4 News KC, the Martinis Gala 2012 – We Heart the ‘80s event will feature cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres and small plates, and a one-of-a-kind silent and live auction featuring the incredible Nigro Brothers!  Throughout the evening the musical era of the ‘80s will be revived for a totally, radical time!

So tease your big hair, put on your rad clothes and go “Back to the Future” for an evening to get “Footloose” and show We Heart the ’80s – and dogs and cats too!

Sponsorship opportunities and various ticket packages are available beginning at $150 for purchase online or by contacting Special Events Manager Amy Atha at (913) 742-7335 or aatha@heartlandspca.org.

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CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS >>>

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At Heartland SPCA, we believe that no matter what their size, shape or story, all dogs and cats deserve the chance to live long, happy and healthy lives. That’s why our team of experts works hard every day to be a lifeline to a better future for pets by providing comprehensive, affordable medical care, adoption services and innovative community programs. Because we know that with a little support, people and pets can build a bond unlike any other, creating happier homes and a community that values life, love.

Heartland SPCA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.

Thank you to our 2012 sponsors!

Epic Sponsor $25,000

The Quinn Foundation

The Kenneth L. & Eva Smith Foundation

To The Max $10,000

Pat & Janet Curran

Beth & Jeff Dillow

Totally Awesome $5,000

Bayer Animal Health
Friends of KC Animals
Husch Blackwell
Sporting KC

Radical $2,500

The Bradley W. and Linda J. Nicholson Foundation Fund
Garmin
Kathleen Kunkler
T-Kennels
White Goss Bowers March Schulte & Weisenfels
Woof’s Play & Stay

MERRIAM, KAN – You’re invited to stop by and celebrate the newly expanded Medical Center from 4 – 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18^th, 2012 at 5428 Antioch Dr. Merriam, KS 66202. Tours will be available, refreshments will be provided, and the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce will cut the ribbon! The expanded facility will allow Heartland SPCA to enhance and increase the quality of life for thousands of pets.

“Pet owners want to provide their pets with the medical attention they deserve,” CEO/Executive Director Courtney Thomas said. “However, they are also on a limited budget to do so.”

Heartland SPCA believes all pets in the Greater Kansas City area should have equal access to high/quality medical care at an affordable price. In support of this vision, Heartland SPCA has expanded its Animal Medical Center to serve the growing demand for high/quality affordable spay/neuter surgery and veterinary wellness care.

Specifically through the expansion, the state-of-the-art medical facility has more than doubled its capacity to serve pets and people in need. Two additional exam rooms have been added, along with digital radiography, expanded dental equipment, and canine and feline hospitalization.

“Those who prior were financially unable to provide necessary medical care to their beloved companions, are now able to give their pets the care they need,” Thomas said, “and the quality of life for thousands of pets in our community has improved as a result.”

To learn more about the Heartland SPCA Animal Medical Center Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting, contact Director of Marketing & Communications Emily Amos at (913) 742-7319 or eamos@heartlandspca.org.

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MERRIAM, KAN. – One hundred seventy-nine homeless pets found forever homes during Heartland SPCA’s Fee-Waived Homecoming Weekend Oct. 14th-16th.

“This breaks all shelter records to date,” CEO/Executive Director Courtney Thomas said. “The community came out and truly showed their commitment to pets in our area.”

The event kicked off at 10 a.m on Friday Oct. 14th. Many adopters were waiting at the Pet Adoption Center gate to adopt a fee-waived pet, including Jim. Jim had been waiting since 6 a.m. to adopt McFly a young lab retriever mix. McFly was renamed Amazing, joining a fellow pet in the home named Grace. Jim tells his story best in the following video:

The spirit of the weekend continued into Friday evening with the Homecoming Pep Rally! The Ray-Pec Monsters Youth Cheerleading Group led three cheers and chants sharing the true spirit of giving “super” pets forever homes! The final cheer, S-U-P-E-R received the most Facebook votes, as the Heartland SPCA winning cheer of the night!

By Saturday Oct. 15th many of the smaller dogs and puppies were adopted; Heartland SPCA identified an opportunity to immediately support area shelters.

“We reached out to our partner shelters that we knew were at capacity and helped to free up space for them by transferring in pets to Heartland SPCA.,” Shelter Director Joe Hinkle said.

Emporia Animal Control immediately transferred nine small dogs, and the Joplin Humane Society transferred in an additional 15.

Success stories continued during a 98.9 The Rock live radio remote. Entercom radio and 98.9 The Rock provided tremendous support of the Fee-Waived Homecoming Event. In addition, The Rock’s Ryan Westward couldn’t get away without a new four-legged friend named Betty. Betty is already on-board and ready to accompany The Rock crew at other remote radio events and in studio.

On Sunday, Oct. 16th, the Heartland SPCA adoptions team gave one final push for helping families find their new forever friend. After three days, and 29 hours of the shelter being open to the public, the Heartland SPCA staff and volunteers celebrated the successful placement of 179 pets!

“On Monday morning our shelter had dozens of empty kennels,” Thomas said. “These vacant kennels will provide a safe place for other needy pets in our community, as well as allow us to help more area shelters, and community residents who rely on our assistance.”

The Fee-Waived Homecoming Weekend was made possible by many generous sponsors and community supporters! Thank you to our generous sponsors, in-kind donors, community members, new adoptive families and volunteers who made this event a success!

Andrea Stouffer
Aristocrat Motors
Aussie Pet Mobile Olathe
Barbara Ross
Camp Bow Wow Olathe
Christie Davis
Dawn Morgan
Emily Dore
Entercom Kansas City
Fitzsimmons Business Services
Info-Tek
Jami Hepting
Janet Curran
Jason Nivens
Jodde Lanning
Heartland SPCA Animal Medical Center Staff
Heartland SPCA Volunteers
Melissa Sturgis
Mike Deathe
Pam Scott
Pete and Mac’s
Ray-Pec Monsters Youth Cheerleading Group
Salsa Grill
Susan Velsir
Tammy Saum
Tevis Architects
The Pitch
Willie and Renee Negrete

…and so many others! Thank you for your support of Heartland SPCA!

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Heartland SPCA’s comprehensive lost pet, adoption and medical services provide the first full-service solution for animal welfare in the Greater Kansas City area. This solution makes a difference for more than 18,000 each year – a number that is continuing to grow!

Various Heartland SPCA philanthropic events provide generous monetary support to serve this mission in fun and collaborative surroundings. More than $2.2 million in charitable support is required to serve the Heartland SPCA mission to save, protect and improve the lives of animals, while strengthening the relationship between pets and their human companions.

A substantial portion of annual funds are made possible through Heartland SPCA events, third-party beneficiary events and corporate fundraising projects. The following are just a few fun and festive ways of how passionate community members, organizations and supports are sharing time, talent and treasure for our furry friends – make plans to join in the fun!

FuzzyFotosKC – the Funnest Fuzzy Fundraiser!

FuzzyFotosKC is annual fundraising photo content featuring fuzzy, feathered and furry family members! The event is a partnership between Heartland SPCA and the Kansas City Free Health Clinic to raise money to provide basic health care services to both people and animals.

Local members of the community are contestants in this contest who campaign vigorously for votes on behalf of their FuzzyFoto! Elaina of Photography by Elaina worked with the 16 volunteer contestants (and their fuzzy, feathered or furry family members) to prepare the 2011 Fuzziest KC photos! These photos will be released for voting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1st. Campaign votes are obtained through generous donations at http://www.fuzzyfotoskc.com/. Bookmark the campaign page now!

The highest-funded FuzzyFoto will be announced on Friday, Sept. Sept 30th. Show your support of FuzzyFotosKC by following (and funding) the event all month long!

There’s a Whole Lotta Love for Chipotle Day!

Greater Kansas City area Chipotle restaurants have a “whole lotta love” for Heartland SPCA!  Present the Heartland SPCA Chipotle flier to show your support of Heartland SPCA! Present the attached flier from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3rd and 50 percent of proceeds will be donated to Heartland SPCA!

Make lunch or dinner a selfless act for your family or office! Now that’s a “whole lotta love” – for Heartland SPCA!

Tee Off at the Third-Annual Westrope Big Dawg Open!

More than 200 friends of Heartland SPCA will tee off at the Third-Annual Westrope Big Dawg Open on Thursday, Sept. 8th! The annual tournament will be at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex (The Outlaw and The Posse) in Smithville, MO – presented by Westrope Insurance!

This fun tournament raises money to support Heartland SPCA’s work to help nearly 18,000 pets this year in the Greater Kansas City area that are homeless, lost or in need of high quality, affordable medical care or spay/neuter services.

Participants enjoy a day of scramble golf, a big dawg silent auction, and a formal awards ceremony with cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Final “furry friend” golfer registrations close Friday, Sept. 2nd!  Make plans to “tee” off at the Annual Westrope Big Dawg Open!

Enjoy an evening of open houses, music, fashion and food at the following stores:

• Euston Hardware
• Village Dentist
• Rimann Liquors
• Minsky’s
• Brookside Optical
• Spangler’s
• C. Jacks Sidewalk Cafe
• Clique
• Tulip
• Mady & Me

Please join us for “Dirty Dog Daiquiris,” “Mutt Margaritas,” hot dogs, lemonade, “Lost Dog” beer tasting, Heartland SPCA adoptable pets, Aussie Pet Mobile demonstration and a visit with the Pets for Life organization!

Proceeds will benefit Heartland SPCA, Pets for Life and the Front Porch Alliance Youth Entrepreneurs.

Shark Bar’s Bark Bar II is from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 11 at 1340 Grand Boulevard in the Power & Light District. Come enjoy complimentary food, drink specials and more! All proceeds benefit Heartland SPCA’s adoption and lost pet reunion programs!

Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Contact Animal Haven Development Assistant Lindsay Haake at (913) 944-4199 or visit Mission Tix to purchase tickets online!

Shamp-Your-Pooch for Animal Haven is from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 12 at Xiphium Salon located at 10589 Mission Road in Leawood, KS. Xiphium Salon and friends will be ready to splash, lather and fluff your wagtastic friends while you shop and enjoy tasty treats throughout mission farms.

Julia Shapiro Photography + Art will be on hand for fun portraits and candid shots of you and your pets. All proceeds to benefit Animal Haven. Fees are $15 for small dogs, $20 for large dogs, and $5 for a photo.

We also want to thank all of our event sponsors for their generous support of Animal Haven:

Dr. and Mrs. Jeff Dillow

The Kenneth L. & Eva Smith Foundation

Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center (VSEC)

Pat and Janet Curran (Honorary Chairs)

Sporting Kansas City

Bayer Healthcare

Chuck and Jennifer Laue

Eye Care for Animals

Commercial Law Group, P.A.

Jim and Emily Dore

Robb and Amber Heineman

Hillcrest Bank

Johnny and Heather Johntz

John and Jami Waggoner

Westrope

Willoughby

SPACES Magazine (Media Sponsor)

Interested in photos from the party? Paul McMillian of Van Deusen Photography graciously donated his time to serve as our official event photographer!  To check out the photos, click here!

Looking for a souvenir from your awesome evening, or hoping to join in the fun? The official Martinis 2011 t-shirts are available for purchase!

Available in women’s and unisex, the cost is $12.00 and will be ordered upon payment.  Don’t miss this great and stylish way to support Animal Haven!

To purchase, email Stephanie Meyer at smeyer@animalhavenkc.org, or come by the shelter!

Click here to see all the wonderful pets we ready to find a wonderful home!

Emceed by Jenny Matthews of Mix 93.3, Animal Haven’s Gala 2011 – Tropical Tails event will feature cool summer cocktails, a divine dinner, and a one-of-a-kind silent and live auction featuring the incredible Nigro Brothers! Following dinner, kick off your flip flops and dance your cares away to live music.

Every dollar raised from Animal Haven’s Gala 2011 – Tropical Tails enables us to continuing serving our community as both an adoption center and as the largest organization that manages lost/stray pets for twelve cities in Johnson County. We take in more than 4,000 abandoned, abused, and unwanted pets each year. Our primary objective is to place pets into lifelong, caring homes and to provide a higher quality of life for homeless pets through collaboration with our animal welfare community.

Schedule of Events:

5:30 p.m.   Sponsor’s Preview

6:00 p.m.   Cocktails and Silent Auction

8:00 p.m.   Dinner

9:00 p.m.   Live Auction

10:00 p.m.  Dance to the live music of Bandit

To purchase tickets online visit CLICK HERE.