Friends of Strays Invites You to the Wags & Whiskers Gala: Cheshire Cat Ball

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Friends of Strays invites the community to step into Wonderland at its annual fundraising gala, Wags & Whiskers: Cheshire Cat Ball, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 7–11 p.m., with a Sponsor VIP reception beginning at 6 p.m. The event will be held at the Lealman Exchange Community Center, located at 5175 45th St. N. in St. Petersburg.

Tickets, sponsorship information, and additional event details are available at www.friendsofstrays.org/wags2026.

Inspired by the classic tale Alice in Wonderland, the Cheshire Cat Ball promises a magical evening filled with fun, fantasy, and on-theme surprises throughout the night. Guests are encouraged to dress for the theme and enjoy dinner, entertainment, a curated silent auction featuring local businesses and experiences, and more.

General admission tickets are $150 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Wags & Whiskers is more than just a gala. It’s a celebration of, and commitment to, the lifesaving work at Friends of Strays, made possible by the support of the community. By attending, you voicing your compassion for animals at risk of euthanasia and giving Friends of Strays the vital resources need to rescue them, provide refuge, care and comfort, and help them find their second chance at happy, healthy lives. As a nonprofit, Friends of Strays relies on the generosity of donors, sponsors, and supporters to save more than 4,000 cats and dogs each year in Pinellas County, the Tampa Bay area, and within the state of Florida.

Local businesses and individuals are also invited to support the event through silent auction donations. Friends of Strays curates a wide variety of auction items, including travel experiences, dining packages, self-care services, and unique local offerings. Businesses interested in donating to the silent auction or sponsoring the event are encouraged to contact Jon, Events Manager, at jon@friendsofstrays.org.

For media inquiries, contact: Jessica Salmond, Communications & Marketing Director, at jessica@friendsofstrays.org.

About Friends of Strays

At Friends of Strays, we believe love saves lives and everyone can take part in that work. With the support of the community, we save more than 4,000 cats and dogs from euthanasia each year through our adoptions and trap-neuter-vaccinate-return (TNVR) programs. We work tirelessly to treat every animal as an individual, giving them refuge, care, and compassion, and help them find new homes. Established in 1978 by community leader Jean Bomonti, Friends of Strays has grown from a grass-roots volunteer group to a brick-and-mortar shelter. Learn more at: friendsofstrays.org.