About Rags to Wags

Since 1952, the Austin Humane Society has been saving the lives of Austin’s most vulnerable pets. As the longest standing no-kill shelter in Austin, our mission is to transform the lives of animals and the people who love them through life-saving programs that find animals homes, serve animals and people in times of crisis, prevent future homelessness through spay and neuter, and engage the community to be part of the solution.

The Austin Humane Society’s Rags to Wags gala plays a critical part in making our mission possible. Since 2005, this beloved event has been our largest fundraiser of the year, and will help us provide care to thousands of animals in the months that follow. This magical evening includes a cocktail hour, silent & live auctions, seated dinner, VIP after party, and plenty of surprises along the way!

Your Gala Chairs

Denise and Stephen Grace

Stephen and Denise Grace are honored to chair the 18th annual Rags to Wags Gala supporting the Austin Humane Society.  As long-time animal lovers, especially rescue dogs, Stephen and Denise naturally gravitated toward volunteering at AHS when they retired from their careers, and their lives are infinitely better for spending time with the shelter pups.  They walk and bathe dogs, support adoptions and socialize puppies as much as time allows.  They look forward to celebrating the amazing work that AHS does every day and hope to see you at the 2023 Mutt Gala!

Our Auctioneer

Heath Hale, Cowboy Auctioneer

Please welcome our Cowboy Auctioneer, Heath Hale, and his team of champion ring men! Heath and the Cowboy Auctioneer team have been an integral part of the AHS family for the past ten years, and during that time, have helped raise more than $2.0 million to help serve countless animals in need. To learn more about the Cowboy Auctioneer team, please visit: www.cowboyauctioneer.com.

The Venue

The 18th Annual Rags to Wags Gala will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the beautiful Fairmont Austin. Click below for more information!

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