Valentine Pet Photos
Laura Bateman Photography donated $25 to VBSPCA from each Valentine’s pet portrait sold. Click Here to Sign Up!

Shelter Pet Valentines
Virtual activity: create a cat or dog valentine. This fun, hands-on activity is perfect for celebrating creativity, love, and our furry friends.
Click Here to Participate!

Virginia Living Cutest Pet Contest – Submissions Open
A fun, free pet contest powered by social media engagement, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Virginia Beach SPCA.
Submit Your Pet Here!

February 4,11,18, 25 : Tale for Two
Pairs young readers (age 6-13) with shelter animals to build confidence, provide comfort, and make reading a fun, rewarding experience for both kids and pets.
Sign Up Here!

February 23 : Fur-ever Friends Kids Night In
Valentine themed evening is designed just for children ages 6–11 and includes dinner*, hands-on activities, and the opportunity to meet an adoptable animal! Kids will enjoy
games, crafts, and animal-themed fun in a safe, supervised environment.
Sign Up Here!

All Year Long – Sustainable Support

The Adventures of Lucky and Bud
Share a sweet story of compassion for animals and support the Virginia Beach SPCA! Author Frank Pengitore of the children’s book The Adventures of Lucky and Bud will donate a portion of sales along with a copy of this book for the VBSPCA’s Humane Education program library.

Black Dog Real Estate LLC
Looking for a new home? Try Black Dog Real Estate. A total of 5% of each sales commission will be donated to the VBSPCA. Click here to learn more.

Kroger Plus
You can help homeless animals anytime you buy groceries at Kroger! Simply sign up, swipe your Plus Card when you shop, and a portion of the sale will be donated back to the VBSPCA! Sign up to participate here.

Jennifer Brickhouse Realtor
Realtor Jennifer Brickhouse of the Real Estate Group is turning housewarmings into homecomings. She is sponsoring the adoption fee of one adoptable animal at the VBSPCA for each house sold. Click here to learn more.

Papa John’s Pizza of Hampton Roads
Pizza tastes better when it is for a great cause! Use promo code VBSPCA whenever you order from any of Papa John’s 27 locations in Hampton Roads and 20 percent of net sales are donated back to us. Combine this with promo VBSPCA5 to receive five percent off any order of $25 or more.

Become a Loyal Life Saver
As a Loyal Lifesaver, you provide dependable support to the more than 1,800 homeless animals cared for by the Virginia Beach SPCA each year. Your monthly gift can be applied to the area of greatest need across the shelter or focused on the Miracle Medical Fund, which covers the cost of veterinary care for all shelter animals.

The Virginia Beach SPCA is incredibly grateful for the continued support from our local community. If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser or event supporting the VBSPCA, please contact our Outreach Department at outreach@vbspca.spinmodern.co.

After more than seven impactful years leading the Virginia Beach SPCA and strengthening the organization, our Chief Executive Officer, Derby Brackett has shared her plans to retire this year. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend our deepest gratitude for her tireless dedication, strategic leadership, and unwavering passion for our mission and the animals and people we serve.

Since stepping into the Interim CEO role in 2018 and subsequently serving as CEO, Derby has laid a strong and enduring foundation of excellence for the organization. Her leadership has been marked by compassion, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to values-based decision-making. Under her tenure, the VBSPCA has achieved significant milestones, including:

• Building a culture of empowered, empathetic, skilled, and deeply committed team members
• Growing and prioritizing the organization’s budget and overall capacity for care to support long-term sustainability and community impact
• Expanding access to high-quality, low-cost veterinary clinic services, helping keep pets healthy and in loving homes
• Increasing the visibility of the importance of the animal-human bond through greater collaboration with animal welfare partners and supporters throughout Hampton Roads

As we navigate this transition, there is much to celebrate. We hope you will join us at our annual Wags & Whiskers Gala on Saturday, April 11, at the Marriott Oceanfront Resort, where we will honor Derby’s leadership and legacy.

Looking ahead with confidence, I am pleased to share that the Board has convened a Search Committee and engaged LeaderFit, a nationally respected executive search firm dedicated to mission-driven organizations, to lead a thoughtful, inclusive, and strategic search in the coming weeks. The Board—and Derby—remain deeply committed to ensuring strong, values-aligned leadership and to advancing the mission with the same momentum, integrity, and compassion that define the VBSPCA today.

Thank you for your continued trust and support as we honor Derby’s remarkable service and move forward together.

Interested applicants may apply here.

Warm regards,
Angie Lombardi
Board Chair, VBSPCA

Mid Atlantic Home & Outdoor Show 
Join us on January 17th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mid-Atlantic Home & Outdoor Show! We’ll have a table set up to share our mission and you’ll get to meet some adoptable dogs.

Lucky Oyster – Scarlett’s Tails of Joy 
For every Seared Scarlett Snapper sold, $1 will be donated to Scarlett’s Tails of Joy in support of the Virginia Beach SPCA

Kendra Scott Give Back Event 
Join us on February 5 from 5–7 PM at the Kendra Scott store in Lynnhaven Mall. When you mention VBSPCA at checkout, you’ll receive 20% off your purchase, and 20% of proceeds will be donated to support VBSPCA.

All Year Long – Sustainable Support 

The Adventures of Lucky and Bud 

Share a sweet story of compassion for animals and support the Virginia Beach SPCA! Author Frank Pengitore of the children’s book The Adventures of Lucky and Bud will donate a portion of sales along with a copy of this book for the VBSPCA’s Humane Education program library. 

JustGiving 

The Virginia Beach SPCA is teaming up with JustGiving to support peer-to-peer fundraising

initiatives. Click here to set up a fundraiser for the VBSPCA today. Have questions about the platform? Send an email to donations@vbspca.spinmodern.co. 

Black Dog Real Estate LLC 

Looking for a new home? Try Black Dog Real Estate. A total of 5% of each sales commission will be donated to the VBSPCA. Click here to learn more. 

Kroger Plus 

You can help homeless animals anytime you buy groceries at Kroger! Simply sign up, swipe your Plus Card when you shop, and a portion of the sale will be donated back to the VBSPCA! Sign up to participate here. 

Jennifer Brickhouse Realtor 

Realtor Jennifer Brickhouse of the Real Estate Group is turning housewarmings into homecomings. She is sponsoring the adoption fee of one adoptable animal at the VBSPCA for each house sold. Click here to learn more. 

Papa John’s Pizza of Hampton Roads 

Pizza tastes better when it is for a great cause! Use promo code VBSPCA whenever you order from any of Papa John’s 27 locations in Hampton Roads and 20 percent of net sales are donated back to us. Combine this with promo VBSPCA5 to receive five percent off any order of $25 or more. 

Become a Loyal Life Saver

As a Loyal Lifesaver, you provide dependable support to the more than 1,800 homeless animals cared for by the Virginia Beach SPCA each year. Your monthly gift can be applied to the area of greatest need across the shelter or focused on the Miracle Medical Fund, which covers the cost of veterinary care for all shelter animals.

The Virginia Beach SPCA is incredibly grateful for the continued support from our local community. If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser or event supporting the VBSPCA, please contact our Outreach Department at outreach@vbspca.spinmodern.co.

Home For the Holidays
Starting December 1st Priority Automotive is paying half of the adoption fees of every
Canine and Feline adopted from the VBSPCA. This promotion is automatically applied when you adopt an animal and last until December 31st or when funds run out.

Holiday Tribute Gifts
During the months of November and December donate in honor of someone special and receive a greeting card insert that makes the perfect holiday gift. This holiday season, give a gift to animals in need. https://vbspca.spinmodern.co/honors-and-memorials/

Holiday Tale for Two
On Wednesday, December 17th join us for our Tale for Two but with a Holiday twist. During our Holiday Tale for Two children will have a holiday tale read to them, meet a couple of shelter animals, and make treats for themselves and the shelter animals.Sign up here: https://vbspca.spinmodern.co/a-tale-for-two/.

Holiday Elf
Give an adoptable shelter animal a much deserved break from the shelter, and you receive all the holiday snuggles you could ask for! We are asking families to take home one of our shelter animals from Dec. 23rd through Dec. 27th. Email foster@vbspca.spinmodern.co to sign up, and our staff will pair you with the perfect furry friend!

All Year Long – Sustainable Support

The Adventures of Lucky and Bud
Share a sweet story of compassion for animals and support the Virginia Beach SPCA! Author Frank Pengitore of the children’s book The Adventures of Lucky and Bud will donate a portion of sales along with a copy of this book for the VBSPCA’s Humane Education program library.

JustGiving
The Virginia Beach SPCA is teaming up with JustGiving to support peer-to-peer fundraising
initiatives. Click here to set up a fundraiser for the VBSPCA today. Have questions about the platform? Send an email to donations@vbspca.spinmodern.co.

Black Dog Real Estate LLC
Looking for a new home? Try Black Dog Real Estate. A total of 5% of each sales commission will be donated to the VBSPCA. Click here to learn more.

Kroger Plus
You can help homeless animals anytime you buy groceries at Kroger! Simply sign up, swipe your Plus Card when you shop, and a portion of the sale will be donated back to the VBSPCA! Sign up to participate here.

Jennifer Brickhouse Realtor
Realtor Jennifer Brickhouse of the Real Estate Group is turning housewarmings into homecomings. She is sponsoring the adoption fee of one adoptable animal at the VBSPCA for each house sold. Click here to learn more.

Papa John’s Pizza of Hampton Roads
Pizza tastes better when it is for a great cause! Use promo code VBSPCA whenever you order from any of Papa John’s 27 locations in Hampton Roads and 20 percent of net sales are donated back to us. Combine this with promo VBSPCA5 to receive five percent off any order of $25 or more.

Become a Loyal Life Saver
As a Loyal Lifesaver, you provide dependable support to the more than 1,800 homeless animals cared for by the Virginia Beach SPCA each year. Your monthly gift can be applied to the area of greatest need across the shelter or focused on the Miracle Medical Fund, which covers the cost of veterinary care for all shelter animals.

The Virginia Beach SPCA is incredibly grateful for the continued support from our local community. If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser or event supporting the VBSPCA, please contact our Outreach Department at outreach@vbspca.spinmodern.co.

Checkered Flag Promo
Starting November 6th until November 20th, 50% of adoption and medical fees for adult cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies. Plus 100% off adoption fees for senior cats and dogs for Adopt a Senior Pet Month.

Holiday Tribute Gifts
During the months of November and December donate in honor of someone special and receive a greeting card insert that makes the perfect holiday gift. This holiday season, give a gift to animals in need. https://vbspca.spinmodern.co/honors-and-memorials/

Winter Wonderland Kids Night In – Friday, December 12th
Young animal lovers are invited to join us on November 15th for a fun night here at the VBSPCA. From 6-9 pm the children will get to experience an educational evening including crafts, games, dinner, and the opportunity to meet some of our adoptable animals. You can sign up for this event here https://vbspca.spinmodern.co/kids-night-in/.

Giving Tuesday – December 2nd
Support the VBSPCA on the biggest fundraising event of the year! Giving Tuesday takes place on December 2nd. Our goal is to raise $20,000 on this international day of giving. Your donations make second chances possible for homeless animals. You can make a donation by either going to the VBSPCA Facebook page, Instagram page, heading over to our website https://secure.qgiv.com/for/bsguiz or stopping by our shelter.

All Year Long – Sustainable Support

The Adventures of Lucky and Bud
Share a sweet story of compassion for animals and support the Virginia Beach SPCA! Author Frank Pengitore of the children’s book The Adventures of Lucky and Bud will donate a portion of sales along with a copy of this book for the VBSPCA’s Humane Education program library.

Black Dog Real Estate LLC
Looking for a new home? Try Black Dog Real Estate. A total of 5% of each sales commission will be donated to the VBSPCA. Click here to learn more.

Kroger Plus
You can help homeless animals anytime you buy groceries at Kroger! Simply sign up, swipe your Plus Card when you shop, and a portion of the sale will be donated back to the VBSPCA! Sign up to participate here.

Jennifer Brickhouse Realtor
Realtor Jennifer Brickhouse of the Real Estate Group is turning housewarmings into homecomings. She is sponsoring the adoption fee of one adoptable animal at the VBSPCA for each house sold. Click here to learn more.

Papa John’s Pizza of Hampton Roads
Pizza tastes better when it is for a great cause! Use promo code VBSPCA whenever you order from any of Papa John’s 27 locations in Hampton Roads and 20 percent of net sales are donated back to us. Combine this with promo VBSPCA5 to receive five percent off any order of $25 or more.

Become a Loyal Life Saver
As a Loyal Lifesaver, you provide dependable support to the more than 1,800 homeless animals cared for by the Virginia Beach SPCA each year. Your monthly gift can be applied to the area of greatest need across the shelter or focused on the Miracle Medical Fund, which covers the cost of veterinary care for all shelter animals. Sign up to become a Loyal Lifesaver.

The Virginia Beach SPCA is incredibly grateful for the continued support from our local community. If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser or event supporting the VBSPCA, please contact our Outreach Department at outreach@vbspca.spinmodern.co.

VBSPCA Puttin’ For Paws
The 2025 VBSPCA Puttin’ for Paws Charity Golf Tournament will once again take place Friday, October 3rd. This event is more than just a day on the greens, it is a great opportunity to showcase your business. While we are sold out for foursome we have a few sponsorship opportunities available. Click here for more information. 

Pet Personality Contest 
Show off your pet’s winning personality with the Virginia Beach SPCA’s Pet Personality Photo Contest! From silly to serious, active to couch potatoes, share your furry friend in their element for a chance to win a custom piece of artwork of your pet. Once you’ve entered, be sure to share the contest with your friends and family so they can cast their votes. Best of all, proceeds will benefit the homeless animals of the VBSPCA.

25% Off Microchips! 
This month, keep your pet safe and save money! We’re offering 25% off microchip services at our clinic throughout August.
Visit vbspca.com/clinic to learn more and schedule your appointment today!

All Year Long – Sustainable Support

The Adventures of Lucky and Bud
Share a sweet story of compassion for animals and support the Virginia Beach SPCA! Author Frank Pengitore of the children’s book The Adventures of Lucky and Bud will donate a portion of sales along with a copy of this book for the VBSPCA’s Humane Education program library.

Black Dog Real Estate LLC
Looking for a new home? Try Black Dog Real Estate. A total of 5% of each sales commission will be donated to the VBSPCA. Click here to learn more.

Kroger Plus
You can help homeless animals anytime you buy groceries at Kroger! Simply sign up, swipe your Plus Card when you shop, and a portion of the sale will be donated back to the VBSPCA! Sign up to participate here.

Jennifer Brickhouse Realtor
Realtor Jennifer Brickhouse of the Real Estate Group is turning housewarmings into homecomings. She is sponsoring the adoption fee of one adoptable animal at the VBSPCA for each house sold. Click here to learn more.

Become a Loyal Life Saver

As a Loyal Lifesaver, you provide dependable support to the more than 1,800 homeless animals cared for by the Virginia Beach SPCA each year. Your monthly gift can be applied to the area of greatest need across the shelter or focused on the Miracle Medical Fund, which covers the cost of veterinary care for all shelter animals.

Support the VBSPCA through a Pampered Chef fundraiser! Up to 15% of sales come directly to us, and our consultant donates half their commission back, using the rest for participant gifts. Orders ship straight to you, and proceeds go directly to the VBSPCA to help animals in need!

Papa John’s Pizza of Hampton Roads
Pizza tastes better when it is for a great cause! Use promo code VBSPCA whenever you order from any of Papa John’s 27 locations in Hampton Roads and 20 percent of net sales are donated back to us. Combine this with promo VBSPCA5 to receive five percent off any order of $25 or more. 

The Virginia Beach SPCA is incredibly grateful for the continued support from our local community. If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser or event supporting the VBSPCA, please contact our Outreach Department at outreach@vbspca.spinmodern.co.

Bubba’s 33 – Dine to Donate
Dine at Bubba’s 33 on July 24 and present this flyer to support the Virginia Beach SPCA. Bubba’s 33 will generously donate 10% of their proceeds to help our cause.

VBSPCA Puttin’ For Paws
The 2025 VBSPCA Puttin’ for Paws Charity Golf Tournament will once again take place Friday, October 3rd. This event is more than just a day on the greens, it is a great opportunity to showcase your business. Sponsorship opportunities are now available. Click here to learn more. 

Little Learners – TCC/Joint Use Library – July 21st
Join the VBSPCA for its newest humane education offering, Little Learners. Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to join us at the TCC/Joint Use Library on Monday June 9th from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. to learn about kindness, compassion, and empathy through stories and activities. Participants will also meet a small animal. A donation of $5 is suggested to attend with all proceeds going back to our shelter. Click here to learn more and sign up.

All Year Long – Sustainable Support

The Adventures of Lucky and Bud
Share a sweet story of compassion for animals and support the Virginia Beach SPCA! Author Frank Pengitore of the children’s book The Adventures of Lucky and Bud will donate a portion of sales along with a copy of this book for the VBSPCA’s Humane Education program library.

Black Dog Real Estate LLC
Looking for a new home? Try Black Dog Real Estate. A total of 5% of each sales commission will be donated to the VBSPCA. Click here to learn more.

Kroger Plus
You can help homeless animals anytime you buy groceries at Kroger! Simply sign up, swipe your Plus Card when you shop, and a portion of the sale will be donated back to the VBSPCA! Sign up to participate here.

Jennifer Brickhouse Realtor
Realtor Jennifer Brickhouse of the Real Estate Group is turning housewarmings into homecomings. She is sponsoring the adoption fee of one adoptable animal at the VBSPCA for each house sold. Click here to learn more.

Become a Loyal Life Saver

As a Loyal Lifesaver, you provide dependable support to the more than 1,800 homeless animals cared for by the Virginia Beach SPCA each year. Your monthly gift can be applied to the area of greatest need across the shelter or focused on the Miracle Medical Fund, which covers the cost of veterinary care for all shelter animals.

Support the VBSPCA through a Pampered Chef fundraiser! Up to 15% of sales come directly to us, and our consultant donates half their commission back, using the rest for participant gifts. Orders ship straight to you, and proceeds go directly to the VBSPCA to help animals in need!

Papa John’s Pizza of Hampton Roads
Pizza tastes better when it is for a great cause! Use promo code VBSPCA whenever you order from any of Papa John’s 27 locations in Hampton Roads and 20 percent of net sales are donated back to us. Combine this with promo VBSPCA5 to receive five percent off any order of $25 or more. 

The Virginia Beach SPCA is incredibly grateful for the continued support from our local community. If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser or event supporting the VBSPCA, please contact our Outreach Department at outreach@vbspca.spinmodern.co.

Small Animal Workshop
Join us June 7th from 2-3 pm for a fun and educational Small Animal Workshop designed for children ages 8 and up. Kids will learn the basics of caring for small animals in a hands-on environment led by experienced staff. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up early.
eventbrite.com/e/small-animal-workshop-tickets-1394675856029

Virtual Pampered Chef Party
Support the VBSPCA through a Pampered Chef fundraiser! Up to 15% of sales come directly to us, and our consultant donates half their commission back, using the rest for participant gifts. Orders ship straight to you, and proceeds go directly to the VBSPCA to help animals in need!

Little Learners – TCC/Joint Use Library – June 9th
Join the VBSPCA for its newest humane education offering, Little Learners. Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to join us at the TCC/Joint Use Library on Monday June 9th from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. to learn about kindness, compassion, and empathy through stories and activities. Participants will also meet a small animal. A donation of $5 is suggested to attend with all proceeds going back to our shelter. Click here to learn more and sign up.

All Year Long – Sustainable Support

The Adventures of Lucky and Bud
Share a sweet story of compassion for animals and support the Virginia Beach SPCA! Author Frank Pengitore of the children’s book The Adventures of Lucky and Bud will donate a portion of sales along with a copy of this book for the VBSPCA’s Humane Education program library.

Black Dog Real Estate LLC
Looking for a new home? Try Black Dog Real Estate. A total of 5% of each sales commission will be donated to the VBSPCA. Click here to learn more.

Kroger Plus
You can help homeless animals anytime you buy groceries at Kroger! Simply sign up, swipe your Plus Card when you shop, and a portion of the sale will be donated back to the VBSPCA! Sign up to participate here.

Jennifer Brickhouse Realtor
Realtor Jennifer Brickhouse of the Real Estate Group is turning housewarmings into homecomings. She is sponsoring the adoption fee of one adoptable animal at the VBSPCA for each house sold. Click here to learn more.

Become a Loyal Life Saver
As a Loyal Lifesaver, you provide dependable support to the more than 1,800 homeless animals cared for by the Virginia Beach SPCA each year. Your monthly gift can be applied to the area of greatest need across the shelter or focused on the Miracle Medical Fund, which covers the cost of veterinary care for all shelter animals.

Papa John’s Pizza of Hampton Roads
Pizza tastes better when it is for a great cause! Use promo code VBSPCA whenever you order from any of Papa John’s 27 locations in Hampton Roads and 20 percent of net sales are donated back to us. Combine this with promo VBSPCA5 to receive five percent off any order of $25 or more. 

The Virginia Beach SPCA is incredibly grateful for the continued support from our local community. If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser or event supporting the VBSPCA, please contact our Outreach Department at outreach@vbspca.spinmodern.co.

We recently caught up with Morty and his adopted parents, Andrea and Jeremy, to see how he’s making the most of his second chance.

When did you adopt Morty?

August 2021

How did you know Morty was the one for you?

We saw Morty listed for adoption on vbspca.com. He looked like a sweet boy, so we wanted to meet him. During our meeting, Morty was loving and playful. He wanted to be close to us and wouldn’t stop licking our hands. We knew instantly he was our dog.

How is Morty doing in the home?

Coming home was an adjustment for Morty because he had no manners. He’s very smart and learned quickly. Morty loves our companionship, so we take him with us as much as possible.

What sort of activities do you do together?

We do daily walks with Morty. He loves being outside, so we play and chase him. When we are fostering a dog, Morty enjoys running around with the pup and playing together.

Does Morty have any funny quirks, or do you have any funny stories to share from your time together?

Morty loves to sit in the backseat of our cars. It doesn’t matter the temperature outside, he wants to sit or lie back there as if he’s ready to go on a ride. Morty has always loved car rides.

How has Morty enriched your life? 

Morty had a sad past before being rescued by PETA. He was chained up outside and probably not treated the best by his previous owners. Despite his past, Morty has always been full of love. He also faces discrimination from strangers, but Morty always shows them love. He is the perfect example of resilience, and he has blessed our lives.

We recently did an age test on Morty and found out that he is much older than we thought. Morty is actually around 8 years old. Knowing this has encouraged us to treasure every single moment with Morty and continue spending as much time as possible together. Morty will continue to have the best experiences with us because he deserves it!

Photo credit: TS Photography

“Being recognized with the Compassion Award fills my heart with overwhelming gratitude and joy,” he said. “To be recognized for something I’m deeply passionate about is profoundly humbling, and it strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for and nurturing animals in need.”

Fabijan learned compassion for animals in need while growing up. His home was always filled with dogs and wildlife in need of care – “raccoons, rabbits, opossums, birds. You name it,” he said. “My family has always felt it’s our job to care for our furry friends.”

Once he was old enough, Fabijan began volunteering at the VBSPCA shelter. He may no longer clean kennels, but Fabijan still supports the organization in a way only he can – by raising awareness of the mission and work of the VBSPCA through his radio station presence and large social media following.

Fabijan has even found healing through his work with the VBSPCA. After the devastating loss of Coletrane, his pet Weimaraner, Fabijan made it his mission to raise extra awareness for senior pets and long-term residents of the shelter.

“Seeing them find the home they needed and deserved filled the loss of losing Coletrane,” Fabijan said. “It opened up an entirely different part of my heart for doing all I could to help others experience the joy of having a pet like Coletrane in their lives. It’s the accumulated stories and experiences of lives changed for the better for those with four legs and those with two.”

Longtime supporters of the VBSPCA may associate Fabijan most with the annual Wags & Whiskers Gala. Fabijan has emceed Gala for almost a decade and plays a very active role in the Miracle Medical Fund paddle raise – employing his charm and peer pressure in equal measures to ensure as much money as possible is raised to support the animals of the VBSPCA. 

“It’s the community of advocates who support the VBSPCA that helps fuel my passion,” Fabijan said. “Everyone involved who champions animal welfare and helps create a better world for the animals who need us the most should inspire anyone to do more.”

However, Fabijan will play a different role at this year’s Gala, held Saturday, April 12th at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort. He is temporarily passing on the emcee’s microphone so he can fully savor the experience of being celebrated with receipt of the Compassion Award.

“This honor not only acknowledges my years of dedication to a cause close to my heart but also reaffirms the shared love and commitment of so many I have served side-by-side in Hampton Roads to help the voiceless animals among us,” he said. “This award is a testament to the collective effort of all who share in this mission, and I am immensely proud to be part of such a compassionate journey.”