A Night to Remember, A Future Filled with Hope
On a beautiful evening surrounded by friends, supporters, and fellow animal lovers, more than 210 guests gathered at The Country Club in Pepper Pike for Rescue Village’s 2026 Tails at Twilight Gala. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the event raised more than $190,000 to support Rescue Village’s lifesaving work on behalf of animals in need.
The evening was filled with inspiration, connection, and a shared commitment to creating brighter futures for homeless and vulnerable animals. Guests enjoyed a memorable celebration while helping ensure that Rescue Village can continue providing shelter, medical care, enrichment, adoption services, humane education, and community programs throughout the year.
Of course, no Rescue Village event would be complete without some very special four-legged guests. Rescue ambassadors Daniela and Johnny charmed attendees and served as wonderful representatives of the animals whose lives are transformed through the support of our community. Guests also had the opportunity to meet several adoptable puppies and kittens, who quickly became some of the most popular attendees of the night. Their playful personalities and affectionate nature offered a heartwarming reminder of the impact Rescue Village has on animals awaiting loving homes.
One of the highlights of the evening was the keynote address from Dana, whose compelling personal story captivated attendees. She shared how her passion for animal welfare first began and the experiences that inspired her career advocating for animals through the legal system. Her heartfelt remarks reminded everyone of the powerful difference that dedicated individuals can make in advancing animal welfare and protecting those who cannot speak for themselves.
The gala was further elevated by the support of Honorary Chair Jill Vedaa, a local celebrity chef whose commitment to Rescue Village and its mission helped make the evening such a success. We are grateful for her advocacy and enthusiasm in bringing our community together on behalf of animals.
Throughout the night, guests demonstrated extraordinary generosity during the event’s fundraising activities. These critical funds will directly support the thousands of animals who turn to Rescue Village each year for care, compassion, and a second chance.
Events like Tails at Twilight are about more than fundraising. They are a celebration of the community that makes our mission possible. Every guest, sponsor, donor, and supporter played an important role in the success of the evening, and we are deeply thankful for their partnership.
View the 2026 Rescue Video: Hope is Where the Work Begins that premiered at the Gala.
A special thank you to Mary Margaret & Sean Dorsey and The Country Club, the External Affairs Committee, led by Stephanie Haney Polk; auctioneer Gregory Bator; The Joe Hunter Trio, volunteer photographer Stacy Kowan, and Rescue Village Staff for their roles in making this event a great success.
View all the photos from the 2026 Tails at Twilight Gala.
Thank You 2026 Tails at Twilight Sponsors
Animal Advocate Sponsor
John & Laurel Hopwood
Constant Companion Sponsors
A Million Dreams Dog Training
Linda Augustus & Family
Lydia Burrell & Tom Shaper
Carnegie Investments
Kenneth Clarke & Laura Biddle Clarke
Mary Margaret & Sean Dorsey
Amy & Mark Krantz
Dick & Libby Larrabee
Majestic Steel
The McCrea and Stark Family
Onyx Creative
Popovich Family
Saponari Family (in memory of Patricia Smith)
Jill & Vijay Shankar
Cherokee & Carmen Susman
Tail Wagger Sponsors
Nelson Axelrod
Tony & Anita DiLucente
Joel & Ann Domino
Ken Hodgman
Marc & Debbie Kritzer
Roy & Donna Knapp
Amanda Martinsek
Carol Perfetto
David Reimer & Raffaele DiLallo
Liz Schormuller
Jerry & Louise Seligman
Eric Singer & Andrea Sperduto
Andrew & Elizabeth Stark
Pancho & Paula Thompson
Boeing Smith
Tom Jr. & Beth Vail
Moo Zehnder