On October 4, the Unleash Your Heart Gala & Auction served as a celebration of generosity, community, and the deep love we all share for animals. This year’s event was truly one to remember, filled with inspiring moments, meaningful connections, and record-breaking support for pets in need.

From the cocktail hour to the after-party (and every moment in between), our guests’ compassion was on full display. Lively bidding, generous paddle raises, and heartwarming stories brought our mission to life throughout the evening. HSSW alumni and adoptable pets even took the stage during the paddle raise, offering a tangible reminder of the lives touched by our community’s support.

In one of the night’s most powerful moments, HSSW Board Member Jason Fish announced a $500,000 gift from Linn Dee Stein, given in memory of her beloved husband, Craig Stein. This incredible gift will continue the legacy of compassion through our Craig Stein Yappy Hour, helping even more pets find loving homes.

By the end of the evening, our community had raised more than $1,000,000 - the most in the event’s history! These funds will provide vital resources to serve pets and families across Southwest Washington, expanding our impact and deepening our reach.

We were also honored to present the inaugural Patricia Nierenberg Heart for the Animals Award to Patricia Nierenberg, recognizing her decades of exceptional dedication to HSSW and animal welfare. As the highest honor bestowed by HSSW, this award celebrates individuals who have profoundly advanced our mission. Patricia’s compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment have transformed countless lives - both human and animal.

The Unleash Your Heart Gala was more than an event - it was a beautiful reminder of what we can accomplish together. To everyone who attended, donated, or supported from afar: thank you for helping create a community where every person loves and cares for animals.

Our Presenting Sponsors

Columbia River Veterinary Specialists

Longtime friends of HSSW, Columbia River Veterinary Specialists are dedicated partners in our work. Offering specialized and emergency care to pets in the Vancouver and Portland metro areas, CRVS has made it their mission to provide pets with state-of-the-art medical care and service. But their support isn't limited to pets in our community, CRVS provides year-round emergency and specialized support for the animals of HSSW. Thanks to this partnership, we know that skilled emergency care is available to the animals of HSSW in their time of need.

Cowlitz Indian Tribe

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is committed to building mutually supportive and long-lasting relationships with the organizations, communities, and people supporting the vast philanthropic and charitable activities within the State of Washington. Through intentional and careful planning and economic development, the Tribe plays a key role in the economy of the Pacific Northwest. HSSW is a proud partner with the Tribe and deeply grateful for their generous support. 

ilani

Our friends at ilani are generous hosts who truly go the extra mile to make Gala such a special evening. And their support extends well beyond Gala - they also host our Mobile Veterinary Clinic, helping us meet pets and people where they are and expand access to low-cost spay/neuter and wellness services. The partnership between ilani and HSSW is one that benefits the animals of Southwest Washington today and well into the future. And we're just one of the many organizations fortunate to be the recipient of their generous support.    

Gala Photos

If you were unable to join us or perhaps you would like to relive the night that was - you can do so by clicking below!

Gala Photos 

Join us for Members Night on Monday, November 3, and be the first to shop the ReTails Holiday Store one day before it opens to the public! From vintage treasures and sparkling ornaments to wreaths, garland - even full-sized Christmas trees - you’ll find everything you need to deck your halls and make the season bright.

This festive evening is perfect for holiday enthusiasts eager to get a head start on decking the halls. Enjoy two hours of exclusive shopping access, discover the best holiday treasures before anyone else, and get merry with us as we kick off another joyful season!

Join Us

Monday, November 3, 2025 | 6:00 - 8:00 pm
ReTails Thrift Store | 5000 E 4th Plain Blvd

Tickets: $20

Get Tickets

The ReTails Holiday Store has grown a lot over the years - not just in popularity, but in size, too! What started as a single section has expanded into a full-on holiday takeover. You’ll now find festive treasures tucked throughout our dinnerware and kitchen departments, cozy holiday linens and pillows, and even a small forest of gently loved Christmas trees.

Getting ready for the Holiday Store is a year-round labor of love. Every day, our incredible team of staff and volunteers sort, price, and organize donations to make the magic happen for the holiday season.

While you’re here, don’t forget to browse for those perfect gifts! ReTails is full of new and unique finds for everyone on your list - from collector’s items and toys to home goods and one-of-a-kind surprises perfect for stockings or under the tree.

And the best part? Every purchase brings real holiday cheer to pets in need - providing safe shelter, medical care, and second chances for animals across our community.

Did you know October 20 - 26 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week (NEPAW)? It’s the perfect time secure your estate plan and make sure your intentions for your estate are in place.

Your estate plan is your peace of mind for you and your family. An estate plan ensures your wishes are honored, protects your loved ones from unnecessary stress and legal complications, and helps preserve your assets for future generations. Not only that, your estate plan provides meaningful support for the causes you hold dear.

Upcoming Estate Planning Seminar

Prefer to explore your estate options in person? We're happy to help! At HSSW, we offer complimentary charitable estate planning seminars, personalized guidance, and online tools to help you create - or update -the plan that’s right for you. If you missed our summer seminars, don’t worry. Our next session will be:

Wednesday, November 19 | 10:00–11:30 AM 
Vancouver Campus | 1100 NE 192nd Ave. Vancouver

Topics include wills, trusts, giving strategies to save taxes, and ways to increase your income. Whether it’s your first plan or an update, we’re here to help you make the most of your legacy and ensure that you get the maximum tax benefits and income opportunities, including:

• Saving more by giving your IRA or stock to HSSW

• Selling stock or real estate without capital gains taxes

• Receiving a current income tax deduction by committing to give your home to HSSW after your lifetime

• Generating more income than your CD or rental property through a charitable remainder trust or gift annuity

Want to learn more about these tax-saving benefits? Join us at our November 16 seminar or contact Darby Knox via email to explore your options. 

We are here to help you make a plan today that ensures your love for pets continues for generations to come.