This holiday season, Angel Paws Adoption Center is taking a creative and festive approach to supporting its mission of rescuing and rehoming pets in Acadiana. For the first time, the nonprofit is hosting a Christmas Royalty Fundraiser, inviting the community to vote for their favorite furry candidates to be crowned this year’s King and Queen of Christmas.

The process is simple: for just $1 per vote, supporters can select their top dog or cat from a lineup of community-submitted photos. All proceeds go directly to Angel Paws, helping to cover the costs of housing, feeding, and providing medical care for the shelter’s residents. According to Executive Shelter Director Brooke Lustman, the initiative combines community engagement with much-needed financial support for the shelter.

“This is our first year doing this type of fundraiser,” Lustman explains. “We believe that involving the community by allowing them to submit photos of their own fur babies helps raise awareness for the shelter and the animals we serve. The monetary donations are vital for our operations, but it’s also about connecting people to our mission.”

Community Involvement and Early Response

While the concept has drawn interest, Lustman notes that participation has room to grow. “We had a really decent turnout for photo submissions,” she says. “However, as this is our first year, voting and overall popularity of the event have been slower than we hoped.”

Despite the modest response so far, the Angel Paws team remains optimistic. The fundraiser not only provides an opportunity for locals to celebrate their pets but also spreads the word about Angel Paws and the services it provides.

Supporting Animals in Need

The funds raised through the Christmas Royalty Fundraiser will directly benefit Angel Paws’ operations. As a nonprofit that relies entirely on community support, the shelter faces significant challenges in maintaining its facilities and caring for its animals.

“All the money we raise will go into our general operating fund,” Lustman says. “These funds are essential to housing and vetting the animals we currently have and those we’ll take in the future.”

From paying for medical treatments to keeping the lights on, every dollar raised through this initiative will help the shelter continue its lifesaving work.

Beyond the Fundraiser

For those looking to support Angel Paws beyond voting in the Christmas Royalty Fundraiser, Lustman highlights several ways to help.

“We always need monetary donations, but we also accept old blankets, towels, sheets, cleaning supplies, animal feed and litter, and newspapers,” she says. “Even sharing our social media posts can make a big difference in spreading awareness about our events and needs.”

Donations of supplies help reduce the shelter’s expenses, allowing more resources to go toward medical care and other essentials for the animals.

The Importance of Giving During the Holidays

The holiday season is a particularly critical time for shelters like Angel Paws. Many families consider adopting pets during this time of year, making it a season of hope and new beginnings for animals waiting for homes.

“Angel Paws is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and we don’t receive funding from local government organizations or grants,” Lustman explains. “We rely solely on our community to keep our doors open. Supporting us during the holidays ensures we can continue to care for homeless animals in our area.”

How to Get Involved

Voting for the Christmas Royalty Fundraiser is open now and will continue through the holiday season. To cast your vote or learn more about the fundraiser, visit the official voting page at osmosvote.com.

As the community comes together to crown a King and Queen, Angel Paws hopes this festive initiative will become a beloved tradition, shining a light on the shelter’s mission and the animals who depend on its care.

Whether you’re voting for your favorite furry contestant, donating supplies, or spreading the word, every effort counts. This holiday season, consider making Angel Paws part of your celebrations and help give the shelter’s animals the gift of love and support.