Friends of HAWS Mission & Impact
The Friends of HAWS volunteer group is dedicated to supporting the mission of the Humane Animal Welfare Society through community involvement and fundraising activities. Through programs, special events and community activities they act as ambassadors, promoting HAWS’ goal of responsible pet ownership and the prevention of animal abuse and neglect.
Friends of HAWS History
HAWS was run entirely by volunteers when first established in 1965. From phone inquiries to animal pickups, educational outreach to kennel cleaning, members of the community came together to carry out HAWS’ animal care and control efforts. Even upon the hiring of the first full-time employee in 1976, the need for volunteer assistance continued. To this day, HAWS’ existence would not be possible without the dedication of these volunteers. The Friends of HAWS is committed to helping wherever and whenever needed, and to contributing toward the financial well-being of the shelter.
The Friends are led by an executive committee. Officers are elected each November and hold a one-year term.
Friends of HAWS Officers
President – Sandy Hoffmann
Vice President – Amy Bottin
Treasurer – John Macy
Secretary – Laura Witek
Making A Difference
The Friends host events such as the annual Romp ‘n Rally and are actively involved in the yearly HAWS fundraising gala, Happy Tails: An Evening to Benefit HAWS. Funds are raised through the sale of HAWS merchandise, at annual bake sales, the Holiday Bazaar, Media Sale, and Clothing/Textile Drive (in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul) and more. The Friends of HAWS are also involved outside the shelter walls – participating in activities organized by HAWS’ community partners and supporters. Maybe you’ve seen our coin boxes on the counter at your favorite local gas station, grocery store, or pet supply store?
Proceeds from these events benefit the paws and claws at HAWS, as well as supporting education, outreach, and other programs HAWS provides throughout the community. HAWS is grateful for their unwavering support!
Program Support
Funds collected by the Friends group are dispersed based on the needs of the shelter or from specific requests from the departments within HAWS. The Friends of HAWS has raised over $100,000 annually, directly supporting HAWS’ many programs, such as:
- Spay Neuter Initiative Program (SNIP) Clinic – purchasing equipment for the surgical suite and sponsoring surgical programs such as Project Guardian.
- Humane Education – supporting the Kids ‘N Critters Day Camp, assisting with K’HAWS kids’ club and various seminars.
- Animal Rescue Team – furnishing a new road response van and safety equipment for HAWS animal care and control efforts.
- D.A.R.T. – supporting HAWS’ efforts to train and maintain a local disaster response team.
- General Assistance – volunteering in the HAWS shelter, office and with the Mobile Adoptions program, assisting with facility upkeep, organizing special events and funding special project like the most recent laundry room updates! .
- Schallock Center for the Animals – supporting special needs at SCA, notably by funding the new arena flooring and managing The Garden of Eatin’ vegetable garden harvested to provide nutritious snacks for the animals both at HAWS’ main shelter facility and those out at the Center.
Ways to Help
Come to a Friends Event!
Check out the Calendar of Events page to see what the Friends of HAWS are up to now. Or view the Friends of HAWS event flyer
Upcoming Events Include:
- February 10: Have A Heart Bake Sale
- February 24: SPAYghetti Lunch (order online here)
- March 16 & 17: Media Sale
- March through June 30th: Nursery & Garden Center Fundraiser
- April 20: Ca$h the Dog Rescue Fair (Field Park – Mukwonago)
- May 4: HAWSfest (Sussex Village Park)
- May 31: Rummage-O-Rescue
- June 1: Rummage-O-Rescue
- August 18: TAILgate Outing @ Petlicious
- August 24: Clothing/Textile Drive
- Date TBD: Holiday Pet Photos
- November 15 & 16: Holiday Bazaar & Bake Sale
- December 7: Wrap for HAWS Paws
Get Your Paws on HAWS Merchandise!
The Friends of HAWS sell several different styles of “HAWS” merchandise, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies. They are available in many colors, with HAWS’ full logo, the single paw design, in the “Peace Love Adopt” format and in the “Adopt 4 Paws from HAWS” classic design! Visit our online shop to purchase! Merchandise prices range from $8 – $44, all in support of HAWS.
Other Ways to Help:
1. Drop off your clean, unwanted clothing & textiles in the St. Vinny’s bins. We receive a donation from St. Vinny’s on the weight collected.
2. Drop off your scrap directly at Alter Metal Recycling Pewaukee. HAWS receives a donation based on weight/market rates. Learn more about this program here.
Join The Friends of HAWS!
Any adult in the community interested in the improvement and promotion of the Humane Animal Welfare Society is welcome to join the Friends. Meetings are held at the HAWS main facility in Waukesha on the second Wednesday of each month, at 6:30pm. Attendance at these meetings is not mandatory to become involved in the various activities, but in order to maintain active status members are asked to attend at least 4 meetings per year (out of 11), and work a minimum of eight direct participation hours at Friends events.
Questions? Please call the shelter to leave a message for the Friends of HAWS or email [email protected].