Black Tie & Tails

Destination: Animal Friends

Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021 | 6:30-10 p.m.

Buy Tickets

Presented by

The Best Gala in the ‘Burgh is back! Pittsburgh’s most unique, playful and lifesaving event returns to Animal Friends’ beautiful 75-acre campus this year. Journey through a one-of-a-kind experience of delectable foods, creative cocktails, lively entertainment, thrilling auctions and much more.

Each year, thousands of companion animals make Animal Friends their destination for a second chance at the life every pet deserves. We hope that you will join us at this year’s Black Tie & Tails as we come together to celebrate Animal Friends’ lifesaving mission.

Of course, there will be plenty of time to mingle with the real party animals – the adoptable dogs, cats and rabbits of Animal Friends!

What to Know

Unpack your festive cocktail attire and be sure to bring your comfortable footwear to make the most of Black Tie & Tails. From the red carpet to our wooded walking trails, you’ll take in the sights and sounds of Animal Friends’ scenic 75-acre campus.

As you travel through Black Tie & Tails, you will be greeted by a tantalizing array of interactive food stations curated by the culinary masters at Bistro to Go. Wine, beer and creative cocktails will be served up by our expert bartenders. Recognizing the impact of single-use items on our environment, we are proud to partner with the Pennsylvania Resources Council to reduce landfill waste from this year’s event.

You’ll want to extend your trip once you experience the dazzling decor and music ranging from smooth, toe-tapping jazz to high-energy pop and Motown hits that will have you grooving on the dance floor.

We can’t wait to welcome you back to our campus, but we also recognize the uncertainty surrounding large gatherings at this time. Please know that Animal Friends will be following all CDC guidelines and our expansive campus will allow for plenty of outdoor space and social distancing as necessary.

 

Raffle

Feeling lucky? Take a chance – or two or three – on tail-wagging prizes in our annual Black Tie & Tails Raffle!

First prize: $3,000
Second prize: $2,000
Third prize: $1,000

Tickets are only $10. Winners will be pulled at Black Tie & Tails on Saturday, Sept. 25. Winners need not be present.

Click here to purchase tickets.

 

Online Auction

Get lost in our Online Auction! Don’t miss your chance to start the bidding on fabulous packages while supporting companion animals in need.

Our Online Auction will be open from Friday, Sept. 17 through Saturday, Sept. 25. Don’t worry, if you can’t join us in person, you can still join the action with mobile bidding from wherever you are!

Click here to start bidding.

The Journey Home Challenge

Each year, Animal Friends is a destination for thousands of animals who have nowhere else to go. Some come to us from the neighborhoods we call home, while others travel great distances to reach the comfort and safe haven of our dedicated team.

But Animal Friends is just a stop along the way on their journey home.

Of course, some of these journeys are more difficult than others. Some can take weeks, months or even years. They require patience, teamwork, strength, grit, creativity and most importantly compassion.

It is through your generosity that these lifesaving journeys are possible – and there is no better time than right now to give. Now through September 30, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $100,000. All donations will support the medical and behavioral care of the thousands of companion animals who rely on Animal Friends to guide them on their journey home.

Your gift will have twice the impact. Please give generously.

Special thanks to Bob Fragasso for making the Journey Home Challenge possible.

Black Tie & Tails Host Committee

Host Committee Co-Chairs
Julie and Ward* Strang

Event Steering Committee Co-Chairs
Gina Carlos*, Beth Henry* and Sarah McKean*

Animal Friends’ President & Chief Executive Officer
Kathleen Beaver

  • Steven and Andrea Alschuler
  • Alisa Angelo
  • Marleen Ashton, Esq.*
  • Leslie and Scott Baker
  • Mary Ann Bogosta*
  • Erin and Matthew Butkovic
  • Gina* and John Carlos
  • Marlene Cornelius
  • Andrea Curtis* and Doug Kredel
  • Jeff* and Wendy Dutkovic
  • Robert Fragasso*
  • Paul Gitnik
  • Jeff* and Kelly Gleason
  • Patricia Hasselbusch
  • Beth* and Dave Henry
  • Elizabeth* and John Klamut
  • Patricia and Tim Kuzma
  • Sheri Levine-Everett*
  • Howard* and Rosemary Loevner
  • Claire LoPresti
  • Bonnie* and Chuck Loya
  • Donald and Mary Lucidi
  • Kevin McCluskey
  • Sarah McKean* and PJ Maloney
  • Linda and Tim Mitzel
  • Mark and Cathy Moir
  • Matthew Monsour*
  • Dena Mosti
  • Jacques Moye and Alexandria Wingrove
  • Jeff* and Jenn Mulrooney
  • Lee and Lisa Oleinick
  • Robert and Maryanne Purdy
  • Michelle* and Steven Race
  • Sherry and Dan* Ringer
  • Cindy* and Andy Russell
  • Doug* and Sarah Shriber
  • Charlotte* and David Stephenson
  • Gene Svrcek
  • Kelly Swart and Peggy Shields
  • Marcy Tenaglia and Brian Gates
  • Jessie VanSwearingen
  • John Weinstein*
  • Cris Winter* and Ron Ramsey

*Denotes Animal Friends Board of Directors

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

Click here for more information about exciting sponsorship opportunities!

 

Thank You to Our Sponsors …

           
         
    Case Sabatini        Enterprise