CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Gulf Coast Humane Society is marking its 80th anniversary this weekend with an ‘80s-themed Paw Fest, the shelter’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

Director of Marketing and Development Jackie McCullough said the two-day event helps raise money and awareness for the shelter’s mission to care for homeless animals while connecting them with new families.

“Paw Fest is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” McCullough said. “We see about 2,000 people throughout the day come to this free event, and it’s really great to not only spread awareness about the different programs that we offer and things that we do here, but also, of course, to get animals adopted.”

McCullough said more than 300 animals are currently in the shelter’s care, and this weekend all adoption fees will be 80% off to help find as many new homes as possible.

This year’s festival will also feature live music, a pet CPR class, low-cost vaccinations and microchips, and the always-popular wiener dog race at 3 p.m.

The celebration commemorates the Gulf Coast Humane Society’s founding in 1945 by Frances and Harvey Weil, marking 80 years of service to the Coastal Bend community.

For more information about Paw Fest, including event times and activities, visit GCHSCC.org or follow the Gulf Coast Humane Society on Facebook.

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