Black Tie & Tails
Event Details
Black Tie & Tails: It’s All Fun & Games
This year, Black Tie & Tails invites you to play with purpose.
It’s All Fun & Games is a lively, joy-filled celebration inspired by the enrichment, activity and engagement that help our animals thrive every single day.
Because at Animal Friends, fun isn’t frivolous – it’s fundamental to our residents’ well-being.
Join 500 animal lovers for an unforgettable evening sponsored by Fragasso Financial Advisors and curated by LUXE Creative. Together, we’ll raise critical funds to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals in need – while supporting the lifesaving care, interactive enrichment programs, behavioral training and community outreach that give them the happy, health lives they deserve.
Because when animals get to play, explore and engage – they heal.
And let the games begin.
Match Challenge
Play It Forward and Help More Animals Heal and Thrive
Your Gift Through September 27 Goes Further with a 50¢-on-the-Dollar Match Challenge
Every day, animals arrive at our door frightened, uncertain and in need of compassion. With time, patience and our expert care, they begin to trust again — discovering what it means to feel safe, to play and to connect. Your support makes these transformations possible.
And right now, something extraordinary is happening at Animal Friends.
Not one, but two generous supporters have stepped forward with a combined $200,000 matching opportunity to help more animals get the lifesaving care they deserve.
Every gift made through September 27 will be matched 50¢ on the dollar, up to $200,000 through the Play It Forward Match Challenge.
This incredible match has been made possible by two separate $100,000 gifts. Longtime animal advocate and Animal Friends Board Chair Bob Fragasso is once again generously funding our Match Challenge.
In addition, dedicated supporter Donna has added a second $100,000 to our Play It Forward Challenge in honor of her beloved shelter dogs, Jesse and Melbourne.
Play It Forward right here, right now. Because when we all play a part, the animals win.
Rescue Me Raffle
Black Tie & Tails: It’s All Fun & Games Rescue Me Raffle
Purchase your ticket for a chance to win big — while helping animals get the second chance they deserve.
Every ticket purchased…
• Provides enrichment that keeps animals engaged, active and emotionally supported
• Fuels behavior support and activities that reduce stress and build confidence
• Helps animals feel safe again—and ready for a loving home
Prizes
1st place: $3,000
2nd place: $2,000
3rd place: $1,000
Questions? Email Development@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org or call 412.847.7051.
Contributions to Animal Friends a registered 501(c) (3) charitable entity, are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. A copy of the official registration and financial information for Animal Friends, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Charitable Affairs by calling, toll free within Pennsylvania at 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. No purchase necessary to participate. Pre IRS rules, raffles are not tax deductible, but donations over the suggested ticket price are deductible. Donor names and addresses are never shared. Employees are ineligible to win.
Partners
Interested in being a 2026 Black Tie & Tails Sponsor?
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.
Reach out to Mike Warren, Corporate & Community Partnership Manager by emailing MWarren@ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org or calling 412.847.7073.
Presenting Partner
Top Dog
Feline Friend
Bunny Buddy
Loyal Companion
Bognar & Co
BluePearl Pet Hospital
Dunbar, Bender & Zapf
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley
Gary Tuckfelt
Michelle Race
Pimco
Rhoback
Sam Braver and Cathy Reifer
Southwire
The Hartford Fund
VCA Animal Hospital
Pawsitive Partner
Graze Craze
GRB Law
Guardian Protection
Petagogy
Pollock Begg
Sheffler & Company
Special Thanks to Our Host Committee
- Scott and Leslie Baker
- Kathleen and Kent Beaver
- Mary Ann* and Chuck Bogosta
- Samuel Braver* and Cathy B Reifer
- Erin and Matt Butkovic
- Gina* and John Carlos
- Andrea Curtis* and Doug Kredel
- Terri and Ron Dakan
- Sam and Gail DeMarco
- Jeff* and Wendy Dutkovic
- Lori Falbo*
- William and Susan Follansbee
- Robert* Fragasso
- Jennifer Fritz
- Paul Gitnik
- Kelly Gleason
- Beth* and Dave Henry
- Jennifer Johnsen-Nazareth
- Nicole Kairys
- Brianne King*
- Jim Krenn and Michelle Cenk
- Patti and Tim Kuzma
- Mark and Alecia Kwapiszeski
- Sheri Levine-Everett
- Howard* and Rosemary Loevner
- Margery Loevner
- Bonnie* and Chuck Loya
- Don and Mary Lucidi
- Sarah McKean*
- Beth and Bob McAteer
- Matthew Monsour* and Rachel Phillips
- Dena Mosti*
- Jeffrey* and Jenn Mulrooney
- Donna Myers
- Robert and Maryanne Purdy
- Michelle* and Steven Race
- Kenton and Lauren Rexford
- Dan* and Sherry Ringer
- Cindy Russell*
- Katie Shockey* and Steve Kravetsky
- Linda Shooer and Ted Osial
- Doug* and Sarah Shriber
- John and Mary Lee Stenson
- Charlotte* and David Stephenson
- Gene Svrcek
- Kelly Swart* and Peggy Shields
- Marcy Tenaglia* and Brian Gates
- Alyssa and Matt Tokorcheck
- Kristen Tullo
- Renee Vandall and Rich Patton
- Jessie Van Swearingen
- Debbie and Ray Viducich
- John and Shane Weinstein
- Cris Winter* and Ron Ramsey
- Frank and Erica Zappala
*Denotes Animal Friends Board of Directors
Silent Auction
Stay Tuned!
Silent Auction Opens September 18
Pet on a Paddle
Want your pet to join the fun at Black Tie & Tails?
Customize your live auction bid paddle with a photo of your favorite furry friend!
Here’s how it works:
1. Fill out the form
Purchase your custom paddle through this form and submit your information.
2. Check your email
You’ll receive an email with a link to upload a photo of your pet.
3. Upload your photo
Follow the link and send us a clear, high resolution photo of your pet.
4. Pick up your paddle at Black Tie & Tails!
Your personalized bid paddle will be waiting for you when you arrive at the event.
Then raise your paddle high and let your pet help you play to win!