For one October evening, some of the Valley’s favorite restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries will gather at DC Ranch with a shared purpose: helping homeless pets find their way home.
Foothills Animal Rescue will host Whiskers & Wine from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at The Homestead Community Center at DC Ranch. Expected to draw more than 250 animal lovers and advocates, the organization’s most anticipated fundraiser of the year pairs local tastings with live music, a curated silent auction and raffles benefiting cats and dogs in need.
“Whiskers & Wine brings together everything that makes this community special: generosity, local flavor and a genuine love for animals,” says Lana Shapiro, chief advancement officer for Foothills Animal Rescue. “Guests can enjoy a memorable night out while helping provide the care, healing and second chances every animal deserves.”
General admission tickets are $75 and are available starting Aug. 24 all the way up to the start of the event.
The event unfolds across The Homestead’s indoor and outdoor spaces, giving guests the freedom to move through the evening at their own pace. Food offerings, raffles and the silent auction will be located inside, while select beer and spirits sponsors will pour outdoors.
Designed as a relaxed tasting experience rather than a formal seated dinner, Whiskers & Wine invites guests to sample offerings from participating food and beverage sponsors, discover new local favorites and enjoy live music while connecting with friends, clients and fellow animal advocates.
In 2025, Foothills Animal Rescue cared for 1,067 animals, a 33 percent increase over the previous year. Many arrived needing far more than temporary shelter, including veterinary treatment, behavioral rehabilitation and extended care before adoption.
“Every animal comes to us with different needs,” Shapiro says. “Some need immediate medical care, while others simply need time and patience before they are ready for a home. Every ticket, auction bid and raffle entry helps us give them that care and be there when they need us most.”
Proceeds from Whiskers & Wine support that full continuum of care, including nutritious food, safe shelter, medical treatment, rehabilitation and adoption services.
Event highlights include:
- A Taste of the Valley. Sample offerings from local restaurants, wineries, breweries and distilleries gathered in one lively setting.
- Indoor and Outdoor Experiences. Explore food tastings, the silent auction and raffles indoors, with select beer and spirits tastings outside.
- Music and Mingling. Enjoy live entertainment and a relaxed atmosphere alongside friends, clients and fellow animal lovers.
- Auction Finds. Bid on a curated collection of products, packages and experiences.
- Raffles with a Reason. Enter for the chance to win while helping fund lifesaving care for homeless pets.
- An Evening with Impact. Every ticket and contribution helps Foothills Animal Rescue care for and rehome hundreds of cats and dogs each year.
The dress code is very casual cocktail attire, giving guests an approachable alternative to a traditional formal gala. Whether they have supported Foothills Animal Rescue for years or are discovering its mission for the first time, attendees can spend the evening enjoying the Valley’s food and beverage community while helping create more second chances.
“People come to this work in different ways,” Shapiro says. “They adopt, foster, volunteer, donate or simply show up for an event like this. When those individual acts of kindness come together, they become something powerful enough to change lives.”
Whiskers & Wine will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at The Homestead Community Center at DC Ranch, 18600 N. 98th St. in Scottsdale. All guests must be 21 or older, and tickets are limited. Ample parking is available adjacent to the facility.
Click here to purchase tickets, explore sponsorship opportunities or learn more.
