Our 91st Birthday Bash weekend was a huge success! Thank you to all who came out to celebrate our shelter's milestone. This two-day event wouldn't have been possible without our amazing sponsors, vendors, performers, volunteers, and you! Keep reading to learn more about the amazing people who made our birthday the most memorable one yet!

The weekend's festivities kicked off at 6:00 pm Friday night with our BBQ & Brews fundraiser dinner. Guests were treated to a welcome reception featuring live music performed by Kelly's Lot. Iconic actor and Ojai local Anson Williams emceed the dinner program and encouraged attendees to donate to the cause. Old Dawgs, New Tricks kept the party going all day Saturday during our free community celebration. Both bands were a huge hit, and the crowd loved Anson!

There was no shortage of food at either event this weekend! Our friends at Q Time BBQ Co. put the BBQ in "BBQ & Brews" with their delicious menu of BBQ essentials. There was something for everyone, including vegan and vegetarian options. Air Pizza offered their gourmet pies to partygoers at Saturday's event and the crowd couldn't get enough!

Bring on the beverages! Our Bryant St. neighbors Ojai Valley Brewery generously provided two craft beers for both events, and our friends at Ventura Spirits donated cases of their Angelo Spritz to offer at BBQ & Brews. We also offered an array of red and white wine donated by various wineries across the county.

It's not a birthday celebration without dessert! Friday night's sweet tooth was satisfied by birthday cupcakes from Sugar Lab Bake Shop, and our friends at Portside Ventura Harbor sponsored enough for all our guests. Guests for Saturday's celebration enjoyed free birthday cake donated by the animal lovers at Walmart.

Kirby Subaru of Ventura, a long-time supporter of the shelter and one of this year's title sponsors, hosted a booth both Friday and Saturday. They presented the shelter with a $3500 check during Saturday's festivities (above, left). A big thank you goes out two our other title sponsors, Whitman Architectural Design and Mechanic's Bank. 

Our younger supporters enjoyed free face painting by FancyPantz Body Art (above, middle). Last but not least, we want to give a shoutout to our amazing volunteers and Animal Ambassadors. These dedicated individuals helped with set up and takedown for both events, assisted in animal handling, served food and beverages to guests, and more. Our Animal Ambassadors also took part in Saturday's Pooch Parade, emceed by Animal Ambassador and birthday bash committee co-chair Carol Davis (above, right).

A big shoutout goes out to our volunteers and Animal Ambassadors who helped make each event such a success! Special shoutout to volunteer photographers Stephan Adams and John Chille for helping capture photos of both days.

Thank you to all our sponsors and community supporters!

Don and Judy Diaz