FRANKLIN'S FRIENDS' SIGNATURE EVENTS

Franklin’s Friends was excited to present the eighth annual HOWL-O-WEEN  Dog Walk-a-Thon and Canine Costume Contest on October 30.

It was paws-itively spook-tacular!  An awesome crowd came out to enjoy the leisurely dog walk and doggie costume contest while raising money for Franklin's Friends and local animal welfare. 

We had beautiful weather, lots of dogs in costumes, vendors and rescue groups, music, raffles and more!  WMMO's Denise Ryan (and her dog Rusty) returned to emcee.  There was fierce competition for top fundraising and best costume prizes.  And best of all we raised over $40,000 - with donations still coming in! These funds will be granted to local nonprofit and government agencies for Shelter/Rescue, Spay/Neuter, and Community Education projects.

Make sure to check out photos from the event!  

Click here to see photos taken by Absolute Photography's Rick Zimmer

Click here to check out photos taken by Growing Bolder's Jason Morrow.

Franklin’s Friends hosted the 8th annual Unleashed. Uncorked. Unframed. - and the first ever hybrid version - on May 15. The event was island themed this year so guests donned their resort wear and leis and came together (both in person and virtually) to support local animal welfare. It was a fun, inspiring night and raised an amazing $110,000!

WESH 2 News anchors Jason Guy and Michelle Imperato returned to emcee, and guests had the chance to bid on WESH2 meteorologist Tony Mainolfi pouring champagne for their table! The gala featured live and silent auctions, trivia and chat features, a face mask contest, inspirational videos, and Gus - one of the dogs that a Franklin's Friends grant helped to save - made a live appearance.  126 people attended the sold-out, in person version - outdoor, masked and socially distanced.  Virtual ticket holders had a catered meal (complete with wine, vodka, and dessert) delivered and then joined the livestream!

Thank you to all our sponsors, attendees, donors, and volunteers.  We could have never pulled off this hybrid event (with a fully virtual option and a safe in person) option without you!  The local animal welfare community needs us now more than ever during this difficult time. Thank you for embracing the "new normal" and helping us to raise money for this important cause!

Make sure to save the date - May 7, 2022 - for next year's gala which we anticipate will be fully in person!

Click to view photos from the event!