WS Chronicle

By Jess Schnur 

This Saturday, April 12, pet parents and animal lovers alike are invited to attend the 9th annual Party 4 Paws gala, hosted by the Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation of Winston-Salem (AARF) at the Millennium Center downtown.  

“We are excited to host Party 4 Paws this year, which promises to be the best event yet,” said AARF operations manager Carly Crisafulli. “This gala is a fun way for us to engage with the community, raise funds for rescued animals, and educate people on AARF’s mission and local impact.” 

AARF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to provide a second chance for homeless dogs and cats in Forsyth County. By providing medical services, fostering and adoption resources, AARF dedicates itself to improving the health of the local pet community one paw at a time. Founded in 1995, AARF has evolved from the kindness of a cohort into a community of love for animals in need.  

“It started in just some local people. They didn’t have a building; it was all fosters out of their own homes,” said Party 4 Paws Chair Emerald Midkiff-Skaggs in an interview with The Chronicle. “Then they moved into a small house on Harvey Street in 2004 [where we began to house cats]. But in 2022, thanks to some very generous donors in town, we got a brand-new, custom-built facility on Thurston Street. It’s got a medical room with surgical equipment, so we can do spays and neuters there, which is helpful; before it was all taking them to partner vets in the area.” 

As of 2024, AARF’s annual impact report shows that they have helped more than 700 dogs and cats in the local community. This includes coordinating 467 adoptions, 300 foster home placements, and 250 spay and neuter procedures conducted throughout the year. The organization has also helped 129 families through its Pet Food Pantry, which assists in supplying food and other supplies to those in need.  

According to The Economic Hardship Reporting Project (July 2024), an ongoing uptick in intakes for rescue organizations and shelters has been putting pressure on these sanctuaries since 2021. Unfortunately, this rise in animal inhabitants has been met with a declining rate of adoption, thus resulting in an overpopulation epidemic across the country in these institutions. Struggles with the increased cost of basic care and medical services, the surrender of pandemic-era adopted pets, landlords increasing pet fees or banning pets, and an increase in persons experiencing homelessness, were all factors attributed to these staggering rates nationwide.  

As a means of supporting AARF’s mission during this difficult time for animal asylums, all proceeds raised from the Party 4 Paws gala sustain the medical treatments provided for these animals, including the expenses of shots, vaccines and vet bills. “Party 4 Paws is critical to AARF’s mission,” said AARF Board President Jane Jackson. “The financial support we receive through this event not only underwrites medical care, spay and neuter procedures, emergency services, and vaccinations, but also enables AARF to continue to offer foster and adoption services in our community.” 

For Midkiff-Skaggs, one of her cats, Socket, had undergone eye surgery through AARF’s veterinary resources. After adopting a kitten through AARF in 2011, Midkiff-Skaggs became an active volunteer at the house on Harvey Street, before beginning to foster kittens in 2020. She has been coordinating with the Party 4 Paws gala since 2023 and became the chair and joined the board in December 2024. 

This year, Party 4 Paws will be featuring a silent auction for anyone interested, regardless of attendance. With a plethora of different prizes, ranging from gift certificates, signed sports memorabilia, tickets to live events, and (of course) pet grooming and gift baskets, the festivity holds something for everyone. There will also be a live auction featured at the function, with fewer yet more lavish items up for grabs that have been provided through donations: trips to the mountains, Kentucky bourbon tasting, or a Caribbean getaway; a Victorian-era bracelet with diamonds and sapphire; a collection of rare bourbons – all are on display for those in attendance.  

Throughout the evening there will also be a wine-toss game, dinner and a DJ for dancing. “My favorite part of the event is actually the dog fashion show,” said Midkiff-Skaggs. “We started that a few years ago. And we have a lady who is friends with one of our volunteers who makes all the costumes for them. [She] puts a lot into it.”  

But the festivities are set to continue, even after the party is over. An After Paw-ty will be held at the Little Pep wine bar for a $50 entrance fee – which includes a drink as well as entrance into a raffle.  

Through AARF and the efforts of Party 4 Paws, the organization has been making a difference in the lives of animals across the community. One of these animals is a two-year-old hound mix named Jasper. “Jasper was found tethered by his waist and emaciated, abandoned with no one to care for him. But when rescuers found him, everything changed,” says Operations Manager Carly Crisafulli. “In his foster home, Jasper found love, food and four-legged playmates who helped him heal, both physically and emotionally. Despite his rough start, Jasper’s heart remained sweet. He quickly learned to trust again, his tail wagging with joy as he played and explored. His fur grew soft, his spirit vibrant. Still, he waited patiently, hoping for the family who would see past his scars and welcome his loving nature.” Jasper loves to cuddle, play with toys, and go on walks and car rides. He has lots of love to give and is currently waiting to find his forever home while being up for adoption at AARF.  

There are more ways than one to get involved and help AARF’s cause, even for those who are unable to attend the gala. Opportunities to donate, volunteer and foster are always viable options to help make a difference for our furry friends in Forsyth County. Through AARF’s initiatives such as Giving Societies, The Rescuers Club, and Constant Companions, donating has become an accessible option to do one’s part. AARF has also established a business partner program to engage with the local community and garner support to help save these animals.  

Tickets are available for this weekend’s Party 4 Paws at: https://one.bidpal.net/party4paws25/welcome, along with the resources to volunteer at this year’s event and registration for the silent auction. More information for the After Paw-ty tickets can be found at: https://www.aarfws.org/after-pawty-2025. To learn more about adoption and fostering through AARF, visit www.aarfws.org.