SoKY’s Choice: BRAWA celebrates 30 Years of animal rescue at annual Shake Your Paw Ball

CAVE CITY, Ky. (WNKY) – The Barren River Animal Welfare Association celebrated 30 years of serving homeless animals across south-central Kentucky on Saturday during its 16th annual Shake Your Paw Ball at the Cave Area Conference Center.

The evening featured a catered dinner, live music, a silent auction and community support, with proceeds benefiting BRAWA’s adoption and spay-and-neuter programs.

Board member Molly Taylor said the milestone celebration was an opportunity to recognize everyone who has helped the organization fulfill its mission over the past three decades.

“We’ve invited all the board members, all the staff from the shelter, along with animal control, to come and be a part of this night because it’s a special night for us. Thirty years is a big deal,” Taylor said.

BRAWA has spent the past 30 years rescuing, caring for and finding permanent homes for stray and abandoned animals throughout the Barren River region. Organizers said the annual fundraiser plays a vital role in ensuring those efforts continue.

Board member Margie Patton, one of the organization’s founding members, reflected on BRAWA’s beginnings and how far it has come.

“Thirty years ago, we opened our doors. There were a group of us who were present then, and a few of us are still around now. We’ve had continuity,” Patton said.

Patton credited the organization’s growth to the continued support of donors, volunteers and sponsors.

“We could not have grown over the years without the support we’ve received,” Patton said. “We appreciate our sponsors who have sponsored us every year and we really, really appreciate that.”

Organizers said every dollar raised during the Shake Your Paw Ball will go directly toward caring for homeless animals and helping more pets find permanent homes.