Jacksonville Humane Society is throwing its 28th annual Toast to the Animals fundraiser Friday evening at The Jessie in downtown Jacksonville, with doors opening at 6 p.m. for an event built to raise money for sick and injured shelter pets. The gala arrives at a critical moment: the shelter cared for nearly 11,000 animals last year, according to Jacksonville Humane Society.
A Gala Built Around a Medical Fund
Proceeds from the evening benefit the Jacksonville Humane Society Medical Fund, which pays for treatment for shelter animals suffering from illness or injury, as reported by Action News Jax. The evening brings together local leaders and supporters, with small plates and desserts from more than a dozen local restaurants, plus wine, beer, music, and both silent and live auctions. Guests can also catch a featured pet and hear personal stories shared by community members who've been supported by the shelter; only trained service animals are permitted at the venue itself.
Beyond the main ticketed event, this year's Toast adds a 5 p.m. VIP early-access hour, a Cuddle Corner where guests can interact with adoptable shelter pets, and interactive fundraising activities including a Mutt Putt and a Wine Pull, according to the Jacksonville Humane Society. Silent auction bidding has also opened online ahead of the main event for those who can't attend in person.
CEO Points to Surging Need
Jacksonville Humane Society CEO Lawrence Nicolas said the community makes an incredible difference for pets in need, framing the fundraiser as essential to the shelter's ability to keep pace with demand.
The need behind this year's appeal is substantial. Jacksonville Humane Society recorded its highest annual animal intake in two decades in late 2025, surpassing 10,000 animals, driven largely by a surge in neonatal kittens from free-roaming community cats, according to The Ponte Vedra Recorder. Kitten intake alone jumped to 6,835 animals in 2025, up from 3,561 the year before, the outlet reported.
Honoring the Builders Behind the Shelter's Rebirth
This year's Toast to the Animals also honors Auld CEO Nathaniel Marty and White Constructors.
That facility replaced temporary modular trailers the shelter used for a decade after a devastating April 2007 fire destroyed its former building and killed 86 animals, including 67 cats and 19 dogs.
An Independent Nonprofit Funding Its Own Growth
The Jacksonville Humane Society raises money through events like Toast to the Animals and other revenue moves. In December 2024, the shelter sold a Southbank property for $1.6 million to Chad Development LLC, using the proceeds to establish a capital improvement fund supporting the upkeep of its 55,000-square-foot Beach Boulevard campus.
Community support extends well beyond the gala, including volunteer service and educational programs for children.
Tickets for Friday's Toast to the Animals remain available online, by phone at 904-493-4585, or in person at the Jacksonville Humane Society facility at 8464 Beach Blvd. in Jacksonville.
