Friendsgiving Event – Tickets on Sale Now
Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare Celebrates a Decade of
Helping Local Shelter Animals at Annual Friendsgiving Event
Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare (FoMCAW) is thrilled to announce its annual Friendsgiving fundraiser, taking place Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 5:30 to 9:30 PM at the Mixon’s Fruit Farms Event Pavilion, 2525 27th St. East, Bradenton, 34208. This year marks a major milestone: celebrating 10 years of fundraising for local shelter animals.
Friendsgiving brings together animal lovers and advocates for an unforgettable evening. Guests will enjoy live entertainment by Mike Sales, a delicious buffet menu prepared by Carrabba’s Bradenton, and a cash bar hosted by Bonefish Grill Bradenton. Local celebrity Bob Slicker will keep the night moving as auctioneer and emcee, leading special presentations, the spirited wine lotto, and dynamic live and silent auctions.
The highlight of the auction features an extraordinary array of fabulous gift baskets packed with premier items:
- Vacation packages and overnight resort stays
- Restaurant gift certificates
- Exciting excursions, sports adventures, and spa services
- Fine jewelry, fishing charters, boating outings, pet-related items, and much more
In addition to these incredible baskets, attendees can also bid on delectable desserts crafted by local bakeries, restaurants, and home bakers.
Every dollar raised directly funds critical medical care, heartworm treatments, and enrichment items for pets in need.
“We are excited to celebrate 10 years of fundraising for the animals and look forward to sharing the night with animal lovers and our supporters,” says Board President Kassandra Zess-Pagel. “Friendsgiving is a celebration of all we have accomplished. Without the generosity of the community and funds raised through events like Friendsgiving, we would not have been able to save the number of animals we have over the last decade. We hope everyone will join us to celebrate this huge milestone.”
Ticketing & Pricing (Seating is limited)
- General Admission: $65
- VIP Table for 8: $800 (includes the exclusive VIP Experience)
Founded to support Manatee County Animal Welfare, FoMCAW works hand in hand with the shelter year-round through community engagement, advocacy, and fundraising to provide extra resources for pets awaiting their forever homes. Join us for a fun-filled evening of “fun-raising” and help us keep making a difference.
To purchase tickets, explore sponsorship opportunities, or learn more about FoMCAW, visit http://www.fomcaw.org or call 941-713-3105.
Our Mission: Friends of Manatee County Animal Welfare’s mission is to work hand in hand with Manatee County Animal Welfare to enrich the lives of the shelter animals by raising funds to provide additional resources, medical care, and heartworm treatment.