Get ready for an unforgettable night of glamour, generosity, and giving back at the 2025 Golden Paw Gala, presented by Muller Auto Group! Join Heartland Animal Shelter on Friday, October 17 at 6 p.m. at the stunning Chevy Chase Country Club for an evening filled with heart and celebration.
Walk the red carpet, strike a pose, and enjoy live music and entertainment by Ellis Clark as you dine, dance, and bid your way through exciting raffles, silent and live auctions—all supporting Heartland’s mission to save lives.
You’ll hear inspiring animal rescue stories, celebrate our community changemakers with the Grateful Heart Award in honor of Sara L. Adler, and make a lasting difference during our powerful Fund the Future Pledge.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or joining us for the first time, the Golden Paw Gala is more than a fundraiser—it’s a night to come together, celebrate compassion, and change lives.
GRATEFUL HEART AWARD
In honor of Sara L. Adler
Tonight, we honor our beloved supporter and longtime animal advocate, Sara L. Adler, who passed away in May 2024, with the 2025 Grateful Heart Award. Sara’s love for animals and her trust in Heartland’s mission led her to make a lasting investment in the future of animal welfare. Heartland is deeply grateful for Sara’s planned gift of more than $5.9 million, the largest gift in our organization’s history.
With Sara’s gift, the Board of Directors has established The Sara L. Adler Legacy Endowment, a permanent fund that will allow us to dream bigger and plan boldly, guided by our strategic plan.
Sara’s commitment shows what’s possible when one person’s vision is matched with action. We invite you to honor her legacy by continuing to stand with Heartland and the animals we serve.
RAFFLE
Luxury Chicago Getaway
Imagine a night of unparalleled luxury in the heart of Chicago! Our raffle offers an incredible package featuring a one-night stay at The Gwen Hotel, a stunning 5-star hotel known for its sophisticated charm and prime location.
To complete your experience, you’ll also receive a $200 gift card to RL Restaurant, a Chicago institution just a five-minute stroll from The Gwen. Savor an exquisite meal in this elegant setting, the perfect complement to your luxury stay.
Raffle Ticket Pre-Purchase Discount!
Want to save on your raffle tickets? Bundle and save $5 when you pre-purchase your raffle ticket with your event ticket or table!
Individual raffle tickets will be available for their regular price starting in October: 1 ticket for $25/3 tickets for $50
Don’t miss out on this exclusive pre-purchase offer!
Thank You to Our Sponsors
PRESENTING SPONSOR
UNDERWRITING SPONSORS
IN-KIND SPONSORS
Interested in sponsoring the 2025 Golden Paw Gala? Download our sponsorship opportunities and contact us for more information.
Friday, October 17, 2025
6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Chevy Chase Country Club
1000 N Milwaukee Ave.
Wheeling, IL 60090
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT COMMITTEE
Gala Chair
CJ Sultz
Committee Members
Kelly Chabebe
Edie Eiseman
Shawn Fitzgerald
Liz Goldberg
Mimi Goodwin
Danielle Gordon
Jean Kengott
Jenn Krol
Shannon Patton
Courtney Robinson
Vicky Ross
Maribeth Santiago
Jenny Schlueter
Linda Schroeder
Lori Schur
Kacie Walls
Ellis Clark has been a longtime fixture of the Chicago music community working nationally as a performing musician with his band Big Hair Big Trouble, Ellis Clark & The Big Parade, The Social Act and Epicycle. Ellis has shared the bill with Nine Inch Nails, The Smashing Pumpkins, Blondie, Dave Davies (The Kinks), Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), UB40, The Neville Brothers, and the late SNL star Chris Farley to name a few. More
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