Events

The VHS holds several special events throughout the year to raise funds for our lifesaving programs and to maintain a presence in the community.

Going, Going, Gone to the Dogs! Benefit Dinner & Auction

The annual auction is the VHS’ largest fundraiser. This splendid evening features a preview cocktail party, a plated dinner, and both silent and live auctions with hundreds of items ranging from $25 up to $5,000+. More than 350 people attend to raise revenue for the 11,000+ pets and people that the VHS serves every year!

Save the date:

Saturday, May 9, 2026
5:00 - 9:00 pm 
Old National Events Plaza Ballroom
"May the Fur Be With You!"


How can you get involved with the auction?

Donate Auction Items for 2026    Buy Tickets Beginning February 2026  Can't Attend? Donate Funds!

West Side Nut Club Fall Festival

Monday-Saturday, October 6-11, 2025
Booth Hours: 10 am - 10 pm
Booth #75 near St. Joe & Franklin

The fun on Franklin Street is one of VHS’ largest fundraisers. Be sure to stop by booth #75 near St. Joe Avenue at the west end of the festival. Our tried & true vegetarian menu is one of the most popular on the street, including:

  • Hand-battered Fried Green Tomatoes
  • Fried Green Beans
  • Fried Macaroni & Cheese
  • Hand-squeezed Lemon Shake-Ups
  • Hand-squeezed LemOrange Shake-Ups

We are always in need of dependable, able-bodied volunteers age 16 or older in our Fall Festival booth. The Fall Festival is perfect for corporate volunteer groups! Volunteer signups for 2025 will go live in August.

Proceeds from the Fall Festival booth benefit the mission of the Vanderburgh Humane Society!

We are also the official West Side Nut Club Pet Parade partner! The Pet Parade is 100% FREE to participate in. Dress up your kids, pets, and even yourself, and show up at St. Boniface Church on the Saturday of the Festival. After 9:00 judging, the parade begins at 10:00.


Pet Pictures with Santa

2025 Dates TBD

Location: Washington Square Mall Food Court

Don’t miss a Tri-State Christmas tradition! The VHS is host to the longest-running Pet Pictures with Santa event in the Tri-State, celebrating 37 years in 2023. Mr. Claus himself makes the trip to Washington Square Mall from the North Pole during the first full weekend in November each year. This allows families to get their photos back in plenty of time for family Christmas cards!

Photos are $30 and include two poses with digital images for your use. (Add 4x6 prints for $5.) Costumes and accessories are encouraged, and accessories for pets are provided free of charge! Children, adults, and all species of pets are welcome in photos! (Really -- all pets! We have had potbellied pigs, miniature horses, rats, rabbits, a hedgehog, guinea pigs, a Sphinx cat, and more come to visit Santa!)

Proceeds benefit the mission of the Vanderburgh Humane Society!

Cuddlegrams

Friday, February 13th, 2026

Cuddlegrams is the VHS' annual Valentine's Day fundraiser! For $100, your valentine will receive 3 roses, a personalized card, chocolates, and a 30-minute cuddle session with your choice of a puppy, kitten or rabbit. A VHS volunteer will deliver the Cuddlegram to your loved one's workplace or other public space in Evansville or Newburgh on February 14th!

Orders open January 2026!

For questions, please contact Mackenzee McKittrick, Events Coordinator.  

Interested in sponsoring a VHS event?

Businesses or individuals have the opportunity to sponsor any of our events at various levels. To inquire about the current year’s sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected]!