PAWS Chicago Beach Party makes a splash for homeless pets

The PAWS Chicago Beach Party, one of the summer's most anticipated pet-friendly events, returned to Offshore at Navy Pier on July 25 with a burst of tropical flair. Pups in vibrant Hawaiian shirts and leis matched their owners' festive attire, turning the "world's largest rooftop bar" into a lively lakefront luau. Under a Windex-blue sky and with a gentle summer breeze, the event provided the perfect backdrop to raise funds for PAWS' no-kill program for homeless animals.

The event welcomed nearly 400 human supporters, many with their four-legged companions in tow. Festivities began with a cocktail reception where partygoers enjoyed views of the Chicago skyline as well as packed silent auction tables.

Country radio Hall of Famer Lisa Dent of WGN Radio and entertainment reporter Jake Hamilton of Fox 32 Chicago co-emceed the event, introducing PAWS Chicago co-founder Paula Fasseas and CEO Susanna Wickham. Fasseas expressed heartfelt gratitude to supporters and introduced Jasper, a PAWS pup who triumphed over parvovirus thanks to the organization's dedicated care. She also highlighted PAWS' commitment to rescuing parvovirus-infected puppies and finding them loving homes.

“Every day, PAWS Chicago continues high-volume animal transfers out of Chicago Animal Care & Control, rescuing nearly 40% of the cats and dogs that are transferred out,” Fasseas shared. “We also launched 360@CACC, a program that has our staff onsite at the city shelter seven days a week.”

The inaugural Community Engagement Award was presented to Bill Jacobs, founder of Piece Pizzeria & Brewery in Wicker Park, and this author, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the cause. “Homeless and at-risk pets are a societal issue,” Jacobs said. “It is our obligation to care for these beautiful animals and give them a chance.”  Jordan, along with her husband Chuck and Chihuahua Daisy, attended the first PAWS Fur Ball at Escada in 2002 and have been fans, friends and supporters ever since. Jordan currently serves on the nonprofit’s Development Board.

The evening's highlights included an adoptable dogs' showcase and a lively auction and paddle raise led by auctioneer David Goodman. Guests and their pets indulged in lavish dinner buffets, while furry friends enjoyed pampering at the dog spa, complete with relaxing massages.

Notable attendees included Paul Iacono, Todd Hatoff, Leslie Hindman, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Suzie and Ross Glickman, Melissa and Michael Canning, Judy and Howard Tullman, Barbara Rinella, Wayne Gailis, Renata and Robert Block, Sylvia Perez and daughter Magali Blasdell, Bonnie and Jim Spurlock, Nancy and Michael Timmers, Alexis Fasseas, Suzanne LeMignot, Tom Hacket and Tom McGuire, Bruce Crown, Drew Fasseas, Jim Sharp, Phillip Emigh, Bruce Haas, KT Sandburg, and many more. Sponsors such as Ed and Denise Raddatz, Pam Zunker Myerson and Robert Zunker, and the Spurlocks and Tullmans ensured the event's success.

Since its founding in 1997, PAWS Chicago has dramatically reduced homeless pet euthanasia in the city by 90.2 percent, finding homes for over 84,000 pets and providing more than 16,000 low- or no-cost spay/neuter surgeries each year. The organization's tireless efforts continue to make a significant impact on the lives of pets and their families in Chicago.