It was a “paw-some” time for several Sacred Hearts Academy students, who hosted the inaugural Junior Tuxes and Tails Gala for the Hawaiian Humane Society several weeks ago. The event at Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach raised money for the new West Oahu Hawaiian Humane Society campus. In addition, funds will be used to purchase toys, food and blankets for the animals. 

Academy seniors Juliette Cramer and Isabella Pichon serve on the Hawaiian Humane Society’s Junior Development Council, and as aspiring veterinarians, took the lead on planning the event. Hawaii News Now’s Rachel Pacarro also hosted this event, which was filled with activities to boost morale and an understanding of what the true meaning of the event was. Games, like Humane Society trivia, and competitions, like “Dance like an Egyptian,” were just some of the activities in which guests participated.

The “Paw-roahs of Ancient Egypt” theme included wall-to-wall decorations in Ancient Egyptian memorabilia. The theme was, according to Cramer, selected because of the council’s “admiration (for) the way the ancient Egyptians worshiped animals.”

“For this event, I helped with pitching the theme of ancient Egyptians,” Pichon said. “I also helped with the centerpieces and helped to find new ways to donate money to have this event.”

Donations for a raffle was one way the council fundraised. At every turn, attendees received prizes from various local donors, such as Jams World and Manaola. They also received help from generous sponsors, including but not limited to: Dr. Tseu, Ginny Tiu and Bob and Frances Bean.

“I just really believe in the mission and the work of the Humane Society,” said Tiu, director of Animal Legal Defense Fund. “(It’s) the first in the history of the Humane Society, and I’m just really very excited and grateful for what they’re doing to help us raise money and awareness for the important work that we do…for our animals and for the community.” 

The new West Oahu campus for the nonprofit will be about two times larger than the one in Moiliili, according to an article by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. It will feature three dog pavilions and two cat pavilions. There will also be a public community dog park.

On top of everything this event had to offer, they also had live music. Roman De Peralta, the lead singer from Hawaiian reggae pop group Kolohe Kai, performed. Along with the live music and DJ, the event also had an open dance floor that was filled the whole night. And, after all that dancing, there was an open buffet to feed the hungry mouths.

“In order to host a successful and engaging event, it required many hours of hard work and dedication,” Cramer said. “As chair, I reached out to the hotels, gathered connections and sent out sponsorship letters. Furthermore, I guided the council in executing our ideas and collaborating to gather 120 kids from around the island to attend our event.”  

While this event required a lot of hard work, the idea of working hard isn’t a new idea to the council. According to Cramer, “The Junior Development Council is run 100% by kids to benefit the Hawaiian Humane Society’s animal needs. We aspire to spread and teach philanthropy to our community and encourage the youth to give back to our communities.” 

The council is an integral part of the Hawaiian Humane Society. With everything that they do for the community and of course our animals, they are silent heroes. With continued support from generous sponsors, donors and active members of our community, the Hawaiian Humane Society, the Junior Development Council and the animals can prosper.

“In the future, the council hopes to continue this legacy of inspiring the younger generations and to keep up the philanthropic efforts in our community,” Cramer said.