Spring was in full bloom in Dallas on May 7 as more than 200 animal lovers, philanthropists, and food enthusiasts gathered for Paws Cause 2026 at the SPCA of Texas Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center. Guests in festive spring attire strolled the purple carpet after enjoying valet service generously provided by Sewell Automotive Companies, setting the tone for an elegant and spirited evening benefiting pets in need.
From the moment attendees arrived, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The check-in process moved seamlessly thanks to the enthusiastic team of SPCA of Texas staff and volunteers. Inside, guests were immersed in a vibrant celebration filled with festive lights, delicious aromas, and the beautiful folk sounds of Marshall Mcferrin trio.
The Animal Care Center lobby and pod areas transformed into a culinary showcase featuring some of Dallas’ most celebrated chefs. Guests enjoyed gourmet tastings from individual chef stations throughout the evening, including:
- Chef Abraham Salum of Salum Restaurant, who served as Chef Chair for the event, presented chilled sweet corn chowder with poblano hush puppies, queso fresco, and crema.
- Chef Dan Landsberg of The Texas Barn at Circle T Ranch offered micro Texas Twinkies with bite size house smoked bacon wrapped smoked brisket, jalapeno, and goat cheese.
- Chef Gilbert Garza of Suze Restaurant prepared Guajillo lime meatballs with Cotija cheese and toasted peanut.
- Chef Eric Dryer of Freestone Lake and Golf delighted guests with Texas quail with black truffle and English peas.
- Chef Janice Provost of Parigi Restaurant presented risotto with mushrooms, edamame, miso butter, and Parmesan cheese.
- Chef Josh Sutcliff of 55Seventy created fancy grilled cheese brioche, black truffle aioli, Comte cheese and Iberico ham.
- Chef Dunia Borga of La Duni Baking Studio provided decadent Basque cheesecake Madrid style with a La Duni cookie.
SPCA of Texas President and CEO Chris Luna, J.D., welcomed attendees and thanked supporters for making the organization’s lifesaving work possible.
“Your support helps us create a happier, healthier community for pets and people alike,” Luna said. “Because of you, we are able to provide affordable spay and neuter services, vaccinations, wellness care, pet food assistance, and emergency resources that help keep pets with the families who love them.”
Tito’s Handmade Vodka served the evening’s signature cocktail, the Pawsmopolitan, a refreshing blend of vodka and cranberry juice served in commemorative Paws Cause cups.
Elegant purple and white floral arrangements donated by Dr Delphinium Designs & Events brightened the venue, while Four Corners Brewing Company kept guests refreshed throughout the night.
One of the evening’s most popular attractions was the Bottle Pull, which allowed guests to purchase chances to win remarkable spirits and wine ranging in retail value from $25 to $300.
A special area within the Animal Care Center became an exciting silent auction marketplace filled with sports memorabilia, pet-themed gift baskets, exclusive experiences, and more. Bidding wars continued throughout the evening as guests competed for standout items.
VIP guests enjoyed exclusive access to the beloved Puppy Cuddle Room, where they spent time with adorable, adoptable puppies. VIP experiences also included early access to chef tastings, sponsor recognition, and an exclusive tour of the new The Addy Foundation Care and Recovery Center on The Stephens Greth Foundation Campus which is scheduled to open this fall. SPCA of Texas Chief Veterinarian Dr. Valarie Tynes, led dozens of guests on a tour of the 39,000 square-foot facility, which will allow the organization to double its lifesaving impact on animals in North Texas.
Throughout the evening, guests voted for their favorite chef creations with donations supporting the SPCA of Texas mission. At the close of the event, Chef Abraham Salum earned the coveted “Best Bite” award for his pumpkin ravioli dish.
SPCA of Texas Vice President of Marketing and Communications Maura Davies congratulated the chefs and thanked them for contributing their talents to the cause.
“Tonight showcased not only extraordinary culinary creativity, but also the incredible generosity of Dallas’ chef community,” Davies said. “We are deeply grateful to each chef for helping make this evening so memorable.”
Chef Salum also expressed appreciation for the collaborative spirit of the event.
“It’s an honor to be part of an evening that supports such important work,” he said. “Sharing this experience alongside so many talented chefs while helping animals in need makes this event truly special.”
The SPCA of Texas is grateful to our generous Paws Cause 2026 sponsors:
Fur-tastic Friend Sponsor
Woofs & Whiskers Sponsors
Tails of Joy Sponsors
Paws & Purrs Sponsors
- Barking Hound Village
- Diane & Hal Brierley
- Gwen & Leldon Echols
- Jameen Jocoby
- McKool Smith
- Chris Luna & Kent Mecklenburg
- Jacki & Brad Winges
Happy Hounds VIPS
- Dumbo Dombrowski
- Carlie Dorshaw-Moe
- Paul Goelzer
- Blair & Guy Heartfield
- Beth Gordon Henry
- Charles & Kelly Lipscomb
- Tiffany & Matt Shem
- Heather Waldron & Josh Dezube
Paws Cause 2026 once again proved to be a joyful and successful celebration combining gourmet cuisine, signature cocktails, compassionate supporters, and adorable adoptable pets—all in support of the SPCA of Texas mission to create a brighter future for animals, people, and the community.
Source: Press release
