Island Paws to hold 12th annual Howl-O-Ween Party
What originally started as a customer appreciation event has turned into a yearly party. On Friday, Oct. 28, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Island Paws will host its 12th annual Howl-O-Ween Party in the parking lot of Over Easy Cafe. For a $15 donation, attendees can enter in their dogs in a costume contest, participate in a pup-kin carving contest and enjoy complimentary puptails and yappetizers provided by Over Easy Cafe.
Faviana Mullings, event coordinator at Island Paws says every penny raised during the event will go to Gulf Coast Humane Society.
“A lot of the times the money will go towards food, adoptions and heartworm treatment,” Mullings said.
Last year, Island Paws raised between $4,000 to $7,000 during the event.
“It’s grown and grown each year,” Mullings said.
Last year, close to 70 people attended. Since they have been promoting the event through social media this year, they are expecting more people to come.
At the party, there will be two contests and raffle baskets provided by On Island, Island Paw, Over Easy Cafe and Simply American Chews.
For their first annual pup-kin carving contest, the rules are simple. You must bring your already carved pet-themed pumpkin and give it a title. At the party, you can register upon entry and put your pumpkin in the designated area. The pumpkins will be judged by event attendees. Votes will be tallied at 6:30 p.m. and prize winners will be announced at 6:45 p.m. First, second and third place winners will receive a gift certificate from Over Easy Cafe.
“It’ll be fun to see what people come up with, it’s such an artsy island,” she said.
For the costume contest, the winners will receive a prize basket put together by Sheri and Vic Scarborough, owners of Simply American Chews.
Along with the contests, Island Paws will be doing a food drive. All purchased food will go directly to Gulf Coast Humane Society.
Beer and wine will be available at the party as well. David Klemp, a close friend of Liza Clouse and Trasi Sharp, owners of Island Paws and Over Easy Cafe will bartend that night. At the end of the night, whatever amount of money is in the tip jar he will match.
Sponsorships are still available for the event. With a $100 donation, each business will receive free entry to the event, space to set up a booth, your business’ s name on the event banner and a referral for your business which will be posted on Island Paw’s Facebook page that highlights your sponsorship with a link to your website.
For more information on the event or becoming a sponsor, go to islandpaws.com or call (239) 395-1464.