The Party: With the theme of “Havana Nights,” Charleston Animal Society held its annual gala at the Gaillard Center. Emceed by News 2 co-anchor Carolyn Murray, the evening included a live auction with items such as tickets to New Orleans Jazz Fest 2023, Roberto Coin jewelry, and Isle of Palms beach vacations. Guests sipped mojitos and rum punch before sitting down for a Cuban-inspired dinner. Afterward, revelers got moving on the dance floor, grabbing goodie bags filled with pet treats, cat and dog toys, and copies of Charleston magazine on their way out. Funds from the evening totaled more than $750,000, benefiting furry friends in need.
Highlight: Attendee Donna Moeckel purchasing the naming rights to the new Animal Society Disaster Response trailer in honor of her late sister Kiara Barnett, a past Charleston Animal Society board member
Overheard: “The triumph of Applause for Paws has truly carried the day.” —Robert Mahon, the Gaillard Center’s vice president of operations
Beneficiary: Charleston Animal Society
