Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare Hosts AnnualFriendsgiving to Benefit Shelter Animals
Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare (FoMCAW) is excited to host its annual Friendsgiving fundraiser on Saturday, November 8, 2025, 6 pm-10 pm, at Manatee County Fairgrounds Veterans’ Hall to celebrate their 9th anniversary of fundraising for Manatee County Animal Welfare shelter animals.
Friendsgiving brings together animal lovers and advocates for an evening of delicious food, live entertainment, the spirited wine lotto as well as both live and silent auctions, with every dollar raised going toward medical care, enrichment, and heartworm treatment for pets in need.
The fabulous gift baskets in the live and silent auctions include vacation packages, overnight resort stays, gift certificates for area restaurants, exciting excursions, sports adventures, theme park passes, spa services, jewelry, fishing charter and boating outings, pet related items, and so much more. More than 30 delectable desserts made by local, professional bakeries, restaurants, and home bakers will be available by live and silent auction as well. Attendees can also take part in the famous wine lotto, special presentations, and a cash bar. Seating is limited.
Tickets are $50, VIP tables of 8 are available for $800 and include the VIP Experience. All tickets include a delicious menu served buffet style prepared by My Pasta Chef and desserts by Heavenly Palate. Local celebrity Bob Slicker, owner of Slicker’s Eatery, will serve as the auctioneer and emcee and Mike Sales will provide live entertainment. It is going to be a fun evening of “fun-raising” for the local shelter animals!
Board president, Kassandra Zess-Pagel states, “Friendsgiving is a celebration of all we have accomplished. Without the generosity of the community and funds raised through events like Friendsgiving we would not have been able to save the number of animals we have had over the last nine years. We hope everyone will join us to celebrate this huge milestone and all we have accomplished as a community.”
Guests will enjoy an inspiring evening surrounded by fellow animal lovers and will hear heartwarming stories of dogs and cats who have found loving homes thanks to FoMCAW’s efforts. Friendsgiving has become a signature event for the nonprofit, raising vital funds that directly impact the well-being of hundreds of animals each year.
Founded to support Manatee County Animal Welfare, FoMCAW works year-round through fundraising, community engagement, and advocacy to ensure every shelter pet receives the best possible care.
For event information, sponsorship opportunities, to purchase tickets, or to learn about Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare, visit http://www.fomcaw.org
or call 941-713-3105.
We are very grateful to our event sponsors: Veterinary Surgery Center of Sarasota, Local IQ Sarasota Herald Tribune, SRQ Media Group, Parrish Village News, Matt and Kassandra Pagel, The Bradenton Herald, April Green Realtor to the Rescue, Your AMI Home Girls, Cartano Creative Photography & Design, Mike Sales Entertainment, Alliance Print Services, Air & Energy, AMI Sun Newspaper, Suncoast Pet Magazine, The New Barker Magazine, Bradenton Magazine, Discover Bradenton, The Suncoast Post, Hope Home Inspections, Your AMI Home Girls Realty.
Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare’s mission is to work hand in hand with Manatee County Animal Welfare to enrich the lives of the shelter animals by raising funds to provide additional resources, medical care, and heartworm treatment.
