The city of Aurora invites animal lovers and all those who support the city’s furry friends to the Wine and Wags fundraiser for the construction of a new animal shelter in Aurora. The event, in partnership with Spirit of Aurora – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit – is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, at the Lake House at Cherry Creek Reservoir, 4800 S. Dayton St., in Greenwood Village. Sponsorships and tickets are now on sale at AuroraGov.org/WineAndWags.
The event will feature wine tasting, appetizers, live entertainment, a silent auction, pet supply vendors and much more. This pet-friendly fundraiser, conceived by At-Large Council Member Danielle Jurinsky, will also include a donation drive for much-needed items to support the shelter animals.
“As the Aurora Animal Shelter building ages and struggles to meet the needs of our growing city, the best way for us to care for the animals in our community is a larger and more comprehensive facility,” said Jurinsky. “Our goal is to raise $50,000 from this event, and every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.”
The estimated cost of building a new facility is between $30 million and $40 million, depending on the design. The city is working on the design phase and securing funding sources. The funds raised from this fundraiser will help close the funding gap.
“The Aurora Animal Shelter was built over 40 years ago, and currently, shelter staff can only accept lost and surrendered animals depending on kennel space each day,” said Aurora’s Housing and Community Services Director, Jessica Prosser. “A new facility is essential for more kennel space to help manage the influx of pets, especially dogs, as the city only continues to grow.”
For ticket and sponsorship information, as well as details on donating items for the silent auction, visit AuroraGov.org/WineAndWags.
Community members with questions can email [email protected] or call 303.739.7258.