The Brookings Regional Humane Society (BRHS) is preparing for its most anticipated event of the year—Paws for Wine—which will be held at the Dacotah Bank Center on April 25.
For over a decade, this annual fundraiser has played a big role in supporting the shelter’s mission of providing care for animals in need. This year, the event promises a night of wine tasting, food, silent auctions, raffles and a special giveaway provided by Riddle’s Jewelry. Also, their goal for fundraising is $15,000.
“It is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we heavily rely on the success of this event so we can continue providing medical care, love, and support to the animals,” said shelter manager, Moiria Curry, who has 18 years of experience in animal care.
Many of the animals at BRHS come from difficult circumstances, often requiring significant medical attention, Curry said. The proceeds from Paws for Wine will go directly toward providing this care, ensuring the shelter can continue to support its animals in need.
Converse Wine Company, a local winery, is sponsoring the event’s wine selection and will also provide an open bar. In addition to wine tasting, guests can enjoy guided wine tours hosted by the winery. Non-alcoholic wine will also be available for those who want it. While the event is geared towards people 21 and older, all community members are welcome. Tickets must be purchased in advance; they will not be sold at the door.
The Riddle’s giveaway item will be revealed on the business’s social media page. All profits from the night will be added to the shelter’s general fund, which supports the day-to-day operations and medical needs of the animals.
Although Paws for Wine is hosted in Brookings, its impact extends beyond the city. BRHS serves a geographic area that includes small neighboring towns like Aurora and Volga. Because those towns do not have their own shelters, the event is a chance for the community to come together to support not only Brookings but the entire region.
One of BRHS’s primary goals this year is to increase the number of animals adopted. The shelter aims to facilitate 1,000 adoptions this year. There was a significant increase in adoptions from January 2024, when the shelter saw 36 adoptions, compared to 50 adoptions in January 2025—that’s a 39% increase. The shelter is optimistic that with the help of the community, this goal is within reach.
This fundraising success would not be possible without the dedication of volunteers, many of whom are students from SDSU. Taylor Sutton, a senior wildlife and fishery pre-vet student at SDSU, is one of the many students who give their time to help the shelter.
“I think it’s important to volunteer,” said Sutton, whose responsibilities range from walking dogs to cleaning and even building shelves. These tasks are important to the shelter’s daily operations and give volunteers a rewarding hands-on experience.
Cante Skuya Lonehill, the afternoon shelter coordinator and senior animal science pre-vet student at SDSU said: “It’s a great feeling knowing that we are helping and making a difference. Seeing an animal find a home after months of waiting is such a feel-good moment.”
With so many animals in need, BRHS is always looking for ways the community can get involved. Attending the Paws for Wine event is one way to make a tangible difference but there are other ways to help, too. Donating money, volunteering, or spreading the word about the shelter’s mission can all contribute to its success.
For updates with the latest news about the event follow BRHS on social media or visit their website.
Tickets for Paws for Wine will be available online.
