WHAT IS ART OF PAWS?

A Celebration of Art, Animals and the Extraordinary Bond That Makes Life Worth Living

By Grayling Holmes

"What is Art of PAWS?"

That was the question my bestie, Mary Wimbley, asked when I mentioned an upcoming fundraiser that I thought might interest her.

Now, Mary is no stranger to the St. Louis philanthropic scene. She's accompanied me to countless galas, charity auctions, and society events I've covered for Sophisticated Living St. Louis. Between the two of us, we've attended enough fundraisers to fill a social calendar several times over.

But Art of PAWS? She had never heard of it.

And frankly, I understood her confusion.

The name is intriguing, certainly. But what exactly is Art of PAWS? An art exhibition? A fundraiser for an animal shelter? An evening celebrating pampered pooches and their equally fashionable owners?

As it turns out, it's something far more meaningful. And once I discovered the story behind it, I knew our Sophisticated Living readers needed to know about it, too.

An Invitation Worth Accepting

For years, my friend Todd Alan, who has been instrumental in organizing this annual event, has encouraged me to attend. Somehow, I've always had a scheduling conflict. October is smack in the middle of St. Louis' busy gala season, and there's never a shortage of worthy organizations competing for our time, attention, and philanthropic dollars.

But this year, I decided it was time to find out what I had been missing.

I sat down with Bob Walker, Regional Vice President of Health Center Operations at Vivent Health, the organization behind Art of PAWS & People, to learn what makes this fundraiser so special.

What I discovered was an extraordinary marriage of art, compassion, and the unconditional love between people and their pets.

And here's the part that caught my attention: This isn't about finding homes for abandoned animals. It's about helping people keep the beloved animals they already have.

For individuals living with HIV who are struggling financially, that distinction can mean everything.

Bob Walker, Regional Vice President of Health Center Operations at Vivent Health

Because Sometimes the Best Medicine Has Four Legs

Anyone who has ever loved a dog or cat understands that pets are much more than animals sharing our homes. They're family. They're companions. They're confidants who never judge us, never ask uncomfortable questions, and somehow always seem to know when we need a little extra love.

I know that feeling personally.

Not long ago, I had to say goodbye to my beloved Sherlock, one of my two dogs named, appropriately enough, Sherlock and Watson. Sherlock was 16 years old. His twin brother, Watson, is still with me.

Grayling Holmes holding his twin dogs Sherlock and Dr. Watson

Anyone who has faced the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye to a cherished pet understands the emotional toll. But there's also a financial reality. Veterinary bills, end-of-life care, and other expenses can add up quickly.

During my conversation with Walker, I asked whether Vivent's program could assist with those difficult expenses.

He explained that such needs can fall within the veterinary assistance the organization provides.

Imagine facing those same decisions while living with a serious medical condition, struggling to pay your own bills, and wondering whether you can afford to feed or care for the animal that brings you comfort every day.

That's where PAWS comes in.

The Meaning Behind Those Four Letters

PAWS stands for Pets Are Wonderful Support, a program established in 1990 to help people living with HIV keep their pets healthy, fed, and by their side.

The program provides assistance with pet food and veterinary care, recognizing that the emotional bond between people and animals can be an essential part of their overall well-being.

Walker shared a statistic that stopped me in my tracks.

PAWS currently assists approximately 80 clients with their pets. Another 50 people are on the waiting list.

Think about that.

Fifty people are waiting for help caring for animals that may be their most dependable source of companionship.

And with the rising costs of pet food, cat litter, and veterinary services, the need continues to grow.

Walker hopes additional financial support will allow the program to expand its reach and help more people who are waiting.

"When someone is navigating the costs of daily life, a veterinary bill can feel impossible," Walker explained. "But their pet may also be the companion helping them get through a difficult time."

That, my friends, is why this fundraiser deserves our attention.

Purina: A St. Louis Powerhouse With a Heart for Pets

One of the most impressive aspects of Art of PAWS & People is the extraordinary commitment of its presenting sponsor, Purina.

Headquartered right here in St. Louis, Purina is an internationally recognized leader in pet nutrition and care, with a global footprint and a longstanding commitment to improving the lives of pets and the people who love them.

For 23 years, Purina has supported Art of PAWS & People.

Let that sink in.

In a world where corporate sponsorships can change from year to year, Purina has remained a steadfast champion of this event and its mission.

And what a natural partnership it is!

A company whose business revolves around nourishing pets is helping ensure that some of our community's most vulnerable pet owners can continue caring for their beloved companions.

For a globally recognized company with deep St. Louis roots, it's a meaningful example of corporate citizenship and a commitment that deserves recognition.

Hats off to Purina for making this cause a priority year after year!

Calling All Art Lovers, Collectors and Philanthropists!

Now, let's talk about the party itself.

On Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 7 to 10 p.m., Art of PAWS & People will transform the elegant Gatsby Ballroom STL at The Alverne in downtown St. Louis into a lively celebration of creativity, generosity, and community.

And for those of us who appreciate original art, this is where things get especially interesting.

The evening features artwork donated by talented St. Louis artists, with proceeds benefiting PAWS. Guests can browse and bid during a silent art auction, followed by a live auction later in the evening.

Renowned St. Louis gallery owner Duane Reed and his gallery team lend their expertise to displaying the artwork, helping create an atmosphere worthy of the pieces being offered.

One artist whose work I'm particularly excited about is my personal friend Charlie Houska.

Charlie has long been one of St. Louis' most recognizable contemporary artists, known for his colorful, playful, and instantly identifiable creations. His work brings energy and personality to any collection.

He's also a generous supporter of Art of PAWS, regularly donating his artwork to help raise funds for the cause.

And he's doing it again this year!

Art donated by Charlie Houska for the 2026 Art of PAWS gala.

Art donated by Todd Alan for the 2026 Art of PAWS gala.

Art donated by Craig Downs for the 2026 Art of PAWS gala

For collectors looking to acquire something distinctive while supporting a worthwhile organization, what could be better?

Beyond the art, guests will enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres prepared by Fifth Wheel Catering, cocktails, entertainment, and the opportunity to mingle with fellow art enthusiasts and philanthropists.

Adding a delightful touch of theatrical flair will be the Fourth City Sisters, Abbey of the Glittering Arch, whose participation promises a colorful and spirited welcome.

And unlike the traditional formal gala, where guests spend much of the evening seated through speeches and fundraising appeals, Art of PAWS & People offers a more relaxed, social experience.

It's an art exhibition, cocktail party, and charitable fundraiser rolled into one.

In other words, a wonderful way to spend a Saturday evening!

Unlike the traditional formal gala, Art of PAWS & People offers a more relaxed, social experience.

Vivent Health: A Familiar St. Louis Mission With a New Name

Some readers may be unfamiliar with Vivent Health, but longtime St. Louis residents will certainly recognize its predecessor, Saint Louis Effort for AIDS.

For more than four decades, that organization has been part of our community's response to HIV/AIDS, providing essential support and services during some of the most challenging years of the epidemic.

I remember those early days and the fundraising efforts that helped sustain the organization when HIV/AIDS was surrounded by fear, misinformation, and stigma.

Today, that legacy continues through Vivent Health, a multistate healthcare organization whose mission is to end HIV/AIDS through comprehensive medical care, prevention, and social services.

And the scope of its work might surprise you.

During our conversation, Walker explained that Vivent's St. Louis health center offers medical and dental care, behavioral health services, psychiatric care, case management, prevention services, access to a food pantry, and even legal assistance.

Rather than requiring patients to navigate multiple organizations, Vivent works to bring essential services together under one roof.

It's an approach that recognizes a simple truth: good health requires more than a prescription.

And sometimes, it requires helping someone keep a beloved dog or cat at home.

Vivent Health serves nearly 19,000 people living with or vulnerable to HIV and sexually transmitted infections across its multistate network, while its St. Louis operation continues the legacy of Saint Louis Effort for AIDS.

Recognizing Those Who Make a Difference

This year's event will also honor Jeff Noble and Soulard Art Gallery with the Daniel Flier Vivent Champion Award, recognizing their contributions and commitment to the organization's mission.

It's a fitting acknowledgment of the individuals and organizations whose generosity keeps Art of PAWS & People thriving.

And that brings me back to something I've been thinking about since my conversation with Walker.

With So Many Worthy Causes, Why This One?

Let's face it. St. Louis is an extraordinarily generous city.

Every week, it seems, another worthy nonprofit invites us to attend a gala, purchase a table, bid on an auction item, or make a contribution.

And many of us have to make choices about where our philanthropic dollars will have the greatest impact.

So why should Art of PAWS & People make your calendar?

Because this is a cause that speaks to something almost everyone understands: the love of a pet.

You don't have to know someone living with HIV to appreciate the comfort an animal can provide.

You don't have to be an art collector to enjoy an evening surrounded by creativity.

And you certainly don't have to be wealthy to recognize the importance of keeping people and their beloved pets together.

But for those fortunate enough to have the resources to make a difference, Art of PAWS & People offers a particularly meaningful opportunity.

You can purchase a ticket, acquire a wonderful piece of original art, or make a donation that helps provide pet food and veterinary assistance to someone who desperately needs it.

With 50 people currently waiting for PAWS assistance, the need is real.

And even if you can't attend the event, you can still support the mission through Vivent Health.

Let's Make This One a Must-Attend!

After years of invitations from Todd Alan, I'm looking forward to finally experiencing Art of PAWS & People for myself, provided my ever-demanding gala calendar cooperates!

And I hope some of you will join me.

To my fellow art lovers, animal enthusiasts, collectors, and philanthropists, here's an opportunity to discover something special while supporting a cause that deserves far more attention.

Come for the art. Enjoy the cocktails. Mingle with interesting people. Perhaps take home a beautiful original work by a talented St. Louis artist.

But most importantly, come knowing that your generosity may help someone keep a cherished companion by their side.

Because when life gets difficult, sometimes the most comforting words are no words at all—just the gentle presence of a pet who loves you unconditionally.

And that, my friends, is what Art of PAWS is really all about.

ART OF PAWS & PEOPLE 2026

Presented by Purina

Saturday, October 24, 2026
7–10 p.m.

Gatsby Ballroom STL at The Alverne
1014 Locust Street
St. Louis, MO 63101

Featuring original art auctions, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres by Fifth Wheel Catering, entertainment, and recognition of the Daniel Flier Vivent Champion Award honorees.

Tickets and event information:
https://viventhealth.org/events/art-of-paws-and-people/

Learn more about Vivent Health and support its mission:
https://viventhealth.org/

You don't have to adopt a pet to change its life. Sometimes, you simply have to help it stay with the person it loves.