THE CATALYST BALL
OUR 2ND ANNUAL GALA WAS
A NIGHT OF GENEROSITY AND IMPACT
On May 30, 2026 we made Paws and Claws history...
On Saturday May 30, our community came together like never before. The energy within The Woman's Club of Evanston that night: the joyful noise, the laughter, the tears, the moments where it felt like everyone collectively understood why this matters...it was something special. Something loud in the best way, something full and alive.
Together we raised $155,000 for the cats who depend on us.
Every dollar raised that night was directed toward The Porchlight Fund. Because of you, thousands of lives will be changed for the better— both feline and human.
Together we will create a time when no cat is euthanized to save time or space.
"Seabiscuits are everywhere."
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WATCH OUR SPEAKERS
Ellen, one of our most dedicated volunteers, and Katherine, one of our shelter partners, took the stage to share how Paws and Claws impacts their lives.
VIEW THE PHOTOS
Four amazing photographers captured the night: 9 Lives Photography; Fotio; Amanda Burton Photography; and, Liam Foley.
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
For questions or inquiries about donating an item to the auction or becoming a sponsor for The Catalyst Ball 2027, reach out to our Director of Advancement, Shanti, at shanti@pawsandclawscatrescue.org
SPONSORS
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TABBY CAT SPONSORS
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TUXEDO SPONSORS
TORTIE SPONSORS
KITTEN SPONSORS
CAT CREW
SPONSORS
Cooper Zajac
Live painting
Liam Foley
Photography
Gavin Farrow
Videography
Amanda Burton Photography
Anaya Shea
Concept art and logo design
Taylor Bjork
Digital design
VENDORS
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For questions or inquiries regarding sponsorship, donations, or auction, please contact our Director of Advancement, Shanti, at shanti@pawsandclawscatrescue.org
INDIVIDUAL
CONTRIBUTORS
Each cat icon represents a gift made in support of The Catalyst Ball.
Thank you to our Board of Directors, Associate Board, and Auction Committee, who have been working alongside us to make The Catalyst Ball 2026 an amazing success.
Board of Directors: Alan Salter (President), Cathy Boyce (Vice President), Lee Boyce (Treasurer), Melissa Wilhelm (Secretary), Sophie Lisowski, Gordon McKay, Lauree Peterson-Sakai, Corinne Wolcott, and Eric Zoberman.
Associate Board: Laura Battersby, Danielle Kist, Allie Kuopus, and Anisah Mihaljevic.
Auction Committee: Gina Baldacci, Elena Hatzakis, Ingrid Nevinger, Jess Olin, Lauree Peterson-Sakai, Jill Sevelow, and Phebe Tinker.