WILMINGTON, DE, November 21, 2023 – Humane Animal Partners (formerly Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA), a statewide animal welfare organization with adoption centers in Wilmington, Stanton/Christiana, and Rehoboth Beach, celebrated 150 years of lifesaving work at their 150th Anniversary Gala this past Thursday, November 16, 2023.
Over 350 animal lovers from across the tristate area attended the event at the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science to celebrate HAP’s legacy and raise funds to support HAP’s mission, including noteworthy Government officials such as Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Senator Stephanie Hansen’s team, Senator Sarah McBride, Senator Jack Walsh, and Representative Kim Williams. Attendees enjoyed delicious food and drinks catered by John Serock catering, with soothing sounds provided by The Bright Band and DJ Jerry. Guests were moved by the commemorative video presentations produced by Aloysius Butler & Clark and Teleduction, and adoptable dogs mingled with guests, in addition to local feline celebrity, Dude the Museum Cat.
Humane Animal Partners changed its name following the merger of Delaware SPCA and Delaware Humane Association (DHA) in 2022, but the organization’s lifesaving history dates all the way back to 1873 when Delaware SPCA was first established. Delaware SPCA was founded by a group of compassionate animal lovers, including members of the Wilmington Fountain Society, who began placing water fountains throughout the city of Wilmington for animals and people alike. For 90 years, Delaware SPCA served as the only animal welfare organization in the state of Delaware. Not only was Delaware SPCA the state’s first animal shelter but one of the nation’s first and oldest non-profit organizations.
“Our history began 150 years ago with a group of passionate animal lovers united by a common purpose to better the lives of animals,” says Patrick Carroll, Chief Executive Officer of Humane Animal Partners. Carroll continues, “Today, alongside our community of supporters, we continue to strive to provide lifesaving services for dogs and cats, who in turn provide us with unconditional love. We are grateful to all who attended our 150th Anniversary Gala and support our lifesaving work.”
Humane Animal Partners’ 150th Anniversary Gala was made possible by the generosity of sponsors including Hill’s Pet Nutrition, The Tuttleman Foundation, Pamela Biddle & Joel Fishman, Middletown Veterinary Hospital, Delaware Park Casino & Racing, Aloysius Butler & Clark, Jay and Maret Headley, Bing’s Bakery, M&T Bank, The Gordon Family, Delaware Today, NewportOne, IDEXX, Senator Jack Walsh and State Representative Kim Williams, KT&D Insurance, Windcrest Animal Hospital, Affinity Veterinary Center of Malvern, Wilmington Animal Hospital, VCA Animal Hospitals, New London Veterinary Center, Longwood Veterinary Center, Harvey Hanna & Associates, and Karen D. Poore, CHFC, and Delaware State University.
To learn more about Humane Animal Partners’ pet adoption services, low-cost vet care, volunteer program, upcoming events, ways to support, and more, please visit humaneanimalpartners.org.
