20th Anniversary of Art of PAWS & People Benefit Helps Pets Stay In Forever Homes with Their Eternal Humans
Vivent Health fundraiser to help keep pets in their forever homes for people living with HIV in St. Louis
by Andy Nelson, Founder, The Glow Land
The elegant 2-story downtown Gatsby Ballroom at The Alverne will soon again fill with benefactors for Art of PAWS & People. Presented by Purina on October 12, from 7 to 10 p.m., the annual Vivent Health fundraiser features music, abundant hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and an auction of one-of-a-kind art donated by local and national artists. Proceeds raised at Art of PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support) & People provide pet food and veterinary care assistance for Vivent Health’s patients’ pets, as well as comprehensive, integrated HIV prevention, care, and treatment for all those they serve in the St. Louis area.
Celebrating its 20th year, Art of PAWS & People began because Vivent Health, formerly Saint Louis Effort for AIDS, knew that no one should ever have to choose between being able to care for their beloved animals and paying for food, housing, or medication—an all-too-common-reality for many living with HIV. By ensuring that patients can care for their pets, the likelihood increases that they will also take care of their own health needs, leading to better overall health outcomes for Vivent Health’s 3,650+ St Louis patients who are living with HIV.
Last year’s Art of PAWS & People event at the Gatsby Ballroom at The Alverne in downtown St. Louis.
“Anyone can understand that the unconditional love of a pet makes a world of difference to your well-being,” said Margaret Lidstone, Chief Philanthropy and Community Engagement Officer at Vivent Health. “All funds raised at Art of PAWS & People go to providing critical emotional companionship as well as HIV care and critical supportive services for our St. Louis patients.”
A look at some items available at the silent auction.
Art of PAWS & People is sponsored by Purina. Purina and Vivent Health share the belief that people and pets are better together. For more information or to buy tickets, please click here.
FOX 2 coverage of last year's event. This year's Art of PAWS & People event will take place on Saturday, October 12th.
About Vivent Health
Vivent Health currently serves nearly 17,000 people living with and vulnerable to HIV and sexually transmitted infections, as well as countless people at risk for opioid overdose. Vivent Health currently has clinics in St. Louis and Kansas City, MO; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; Austin, TX; Detroit and Ypsilanti, MI; and 10 locations throughout Wisconsin including Milwaukee. Learn more at www.ViventHealth.org.