November 7th was a perfect autumn day in Florida, much to the delight of those who attended the fifth annual Paws for a cause fundraiser benefiting The Hobe Sound Animal Protection League.

Visitors to the event at the Caring Fields Sanctuary in Palm City were treated to tours of the cat houses, a petting zoo, a dog agility show, horse dressage, a silent auction and delicious food supplied by La BOrgata and Park Avenue BBQ.

Honorary Paws chairman Chris Farrell was on hand, mingling with the crowd and enjoying the festivities.

Thanks to the wonderful attendees and our generous sponsors, the event raised more then $63,000.

"To increase the amount we raised compared to last year is a wonderful thing, especially in this economy, said Pam Walker, Executive Director, HSAPL.  "We're so thankful to have such wonderful supporters and the best volunteers!"

Diamond sponsors at the $10,000 and above level included Carol Smith, Jan Brush, and the team of Joanne Matz of the Help Us Help Them Foundation, and Barbara and Dave Birdsey of the Pegasus Foundation.

HSAPL's objective is to provide food, safe, comfortable homes, and medical care to cats that cannot be adopted and to foster cats and kittens until they find their "forever homes." 

Another goal is to increase the number of spay/neuter events throughout the Treasure Coast to continue the battle against the overpopulation of unwanted pets.

"We couldn't have asked for a better day," said Bob Castellano, Paws co-chairman.  "In addition to the money raised to care for our feline friends, we had three kitty adoptions.  Placing a cat into a forever home is always cause of a celebration."

In the past year, HSAPL, has spayed and neutered morethen 500 cats in martin County and placed more then 100 cats and kitten in "forever homes".

Check out this video of when a few of our special kitties worked hard to create special artwork that was auctioned off at the event: