On Thursday, November 19, 2020, the Heaven Can Wait Animal Society will host “Miracle on Eastern Avenue,” a live virtual event, awards ceremony, and silent auction to raise awareness and funds for its lifesaving veterinary clinic and adoption programs serving cats and dogs in the Las Vegas Valley.
Since the COVID-19 restrictions were put in place, Heaven Can Wait Animal Society has experienced major disruptions in services due to capacity limits and intake restricts. With the softening of restrictions, the charity has seen an influx in the need for veterinary services with more than 850 animals cared for in September alone, as compared to under 325 the same time last year. The charity is also seeing a steady stream of homeless animals who need care and a forever home.
“Given the economic impact that COVID-19 has had on Las Vegas, there are many families and animals that need our help more than ever,” said Francesca Fulciniti, Executive Director for Heaven Can Wait Animal Society. “We are working hard to meet the emerging needs and proceeds from this event will have a direct impact on the health of those pets who need us most.”
Master Magician Lance Burton is pitching in as well. Often considered to be the greatest stage magician of the past century, Burton, who performed more than 15,000 shows in Las Vegas for more than 5 million people, will provide magical entertainment during the live event.
For the first time, Heaven Can Wait Animal Society will hold an award ceremony honoring Valley residents and groups for making a positive impact in local animal welfare. Charity partners and the community are invited to complete a nomination form on the event website for the following: the Community Cat Ally Award, the Compassionate Foster Parent Award, the Noteworthy Volunteer Award, the Nonprofit Partner Award, the Humane Business Partner Award, the Dedicated Medical Provider Award, and the Harold Vosko Lifetime Achievement Award. The nomination deadline is November 12, 2020 and award winners will be announced during the live program.
“We know there are many people in Southern Nevada that are helping to support animals alongside our efforts, and that’s why we’re excited to honor them in our first ever community-wide awards ceremony,” said Fulciniti.
The online silent auction will begin on November 12th and culminate at the virtual live streamed fundraiser, which will begin at 6:00 p.m. on November 19th. Heaven Can Wait Animal Society’s Miracle on Eastern Avenue is sponsored by Tito’s Vodka and is free to register for the event and auction at www.heavencanwait.givesmart.com or by texting “heavencanwait” to 76278.
