Paws for the Cause at Rhinegeist
Brewing Up Love at Rhinegeist
On October 3, 2025, Cincinnati Animal CARE will host its first-ever signature fundraiser, UNLEASHED: The Power of Love, at Rhinegeist Brewery’s Clubhouse. The event is more than a party. It is a milestone moment that reflects how far Hamilton County’s only open-intake animal shelter has come in just five short years.
When the shelter opened in 2020, the path ahead was steep. Cincinnati Animal CARE was tasked with taking in every animal in need and finding a way to make no-kill sheltering possible in Hamilton County. The results speak for themselves: a 94 percent live release rate, more than 20,000 adoptions, and over 30,000 animals cared for since the doors opened. What was once a goal is now the standard, and UNLEASHED ensures that momentum does not stop here.
From Pawprints to Playlists
The evening at Rhinegeist is designed to reflect the heart of the mission. Guests will enjoy live music, bites from beloved local restaurants, and both silent and live auctions. Alumni pets and their families will shine during the Redemption Runway, offering a living testament to the power of adoption.
The program is anchored by a keynote from Tawny Hammond, Director of No-kill Advancement at Best Friends Animal Society, one of the nation’s leading advocates for ending the killing of shelter pets. The After Party keeps the energy high with DJ Boywife, Graeter’s ice cream, and late-night bites. Every moment is intentional, blending celebration with advocacy.
Tails of Impact
Fundraising events like UNLEASHED are not just evenings out. They are lifelines that power Cincinnati Animal CARE’s programs throughout the year. From veterinary care and foster support to community-based initiatives that keep pets with the families who love them, the dollars raised directly impact outcomes.
The shelter’s approach is rooted in community. When families face food insecurity, CARE provides pet food assistance. When medical costs threaten to separate an animal from its home, CARE steps in with veterinary resources. When space runs out, the foster network opens doors. Each solution reflects a philosophy that pets and people belong together, and no animal should lose its chance at life because of circumstance.
The impact is tangible. Cincinnati Animal CARE has built a model that balances shelter operations with outreach, creating a healthier ecosystem for both animals and families. UNLEASHED gives supporters the chance to invest in that vision.
A Pack of Partners
Events of this scale do not happen alone. Support from local businesses, foundations, and individuals underscores how deeply Cincinnati cares about animal welfare. This year’s presenting sponsor, Argos Pet Food and Supply, leads a group that includes Saatchi X, Friends of Cincy CARE, and a long list of community-minded partners. Their generosity amplifies the shelter’s reach and ensures that every ticket sold creates a ripple effect across Hamilton County.
Love Unleashed, Futures Secured
UNLEASHED is the beginning of a new chapter. As Cincinnati Animal CARE celebrates five years of lifesaving, the event invites the community to dream even bigger about what is possible. Each adoption, each foster placement, and each life saved builds on a foundation of compassion that grows stronger every year.
Tickets for UNLEASHED: The Power of Love are available now at cincinnatianimalcare.org/unleashed. Attendees can expect an unforgettable evening, but more importantly, they can expect to play a role in ensuring that every dog and cat in Hamilton County has the chance to live their best life.