Golden Paw Awards & Benefit
Mark your calendars for one of the most meaningful nights of the year – the 2026 Golden Paw Awards & Benefit, presented by Adopt A Pet Shelter Plus, happening on Thursday, September 24 at The Maine Inn at the historic Poland Spring Resort.
This is more than a celebration – it’s a fundraiser that directly supports the lifesaving work of the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society. Every ticket purchased helps provide care, shelter, medical support, enrichment, and second chances for animals in need, while also sustaining the programs and services that make a lasting difference for pets and people across our community.
Guests can look forward to a full evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration, including:
- A Silent Auction packed with exciting items and must-have experiences.
- The Golden Paw Awards Presentation honoring individuals making a real difference for animals in our community.
- Heartfelt stories that showcase the impact of GAHS and the people who help make our mission possible.
- Heavy appetizers, delicious desserts, and a cash bar.
- A joyful atmosphere filled with fellow animal lovers who believe in giving pets the chance they deserve.
And this is just the beginning — we’ll be sharing sneak peeks and previews of the evening’s lineup as we get closer to the event, so be sure to stay tuned. From auction highlights to honoree spotlights, there’s plenty more to come as we build toward this special night.
Tickets are on sale now, and we hope you’ll join us. Gather your friends, buy your tickets, and be part of an unforgettable evening that celebrates compassion while raising critical funds for animals in need.
All members of the community are encouraged to attend this special evening – whether as a sponsor, guest, or animal advocate. Mark your calendar for September 24 and SCROLL DOWN to choose your sponsorship or purchase tickets!
Together, with the support of our community and local businesses, we can continue changing lives – one paw at a time.
Please enjoy some highlights from last year’s event and join us in congratulating our 2025 Golden Paw Awardees!
The Future Hero Award, sponsored by Vicky & Jan Wiegman, was presented to Michael Bradstreet. (Pictured with mom Jessica.)
The Most Memorable Pet Award, sponsored by Ouellette & Associates , was presented to Hank. (The award accepted by his adopter, Tammy Sawyer.)
The Superhero Volunteer Award, sponsored by Ripley and Fletcher Ford, was presented to Donna Allen.
The Superhero Foster Award, sponsored by Northeast Bank, was presented to Laura Charloff.
The Pets and People Award, sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, was presented to the team at Healthy Androscoggin.
The Cynthia Crocker “Above and Beyond” Award, sponsored by Ron and Joanne Lebel, was presented to Jennifer Edwards, City of Auburn.
Fifties flair was in the air! Many decided to have a bit of fun while celebrating the theme of “Saving lives in decades past… and for years to come!”
Local celebrities, Mark Turcotte and Sara Poulin of the Lydia’s Lunch Bunch Podcast guided us through the evening with a delightful mix of laughter and stories that touched everyone’s hearts.
Attendees had the chance to place bids on a variety of item graciously donated by local businesses and community members during the silent auction.
Throughout the night, the crowd was reminded of the impact the GAHS’ has had on needy pets – which would not be possible without the help of volunteers, fosterers and the support of the community.
A few of our GAHS volunteers were there to lend a hand!
We are so appreciative of all of our sponsors!
Huge thanks to all of our sponsors, silent auction donors and winners, supporters, volunteers, attendees and planning committee for making this event such a hit!
#savingpetsinmaine #goldenpawawards #thankyou #fundraiser #supportgahs
📸: Laura Elaines Photography