‘Barks & Bags’ raises $50,000 for County Humane Society and Animal Shelter operations!

The local Humane Society hosted its 14^th annual Barks & Bags event at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club on Friday, April 10, 2026. It was the Humane Society of Warren County’s biggest event of the year with more than 200 attendees.

Barks & Bags is a ladies’ dinner and handbag auction that raises life-saving and necessary funding for the animal shelter. The evening consists of a shared meal, silent auction, raffle baskets, games, a 50/50 raffle, and a live auction featuring designer handbags.

Two group shots of attendees of the Barks & Bags event. Looks like the food has been served and they’re getting ready to dig in. And what are they digging into? Eat your heart out if you missed it. Courtesy Photos HSWC & Executive Director Kayla Wines

Our 50/50 winner, Dr. Kristen Pence, graciously donated her winnings back to HSWC. It was a night filled with excitement, laughter, and community generosity that we love so much!

Our “Match Men” are paired with a handbag in the live auction and agree to match the donation for an even greater impact. These local businessmen helped us raise more than $5,000 at this event, and we can’t thank them enough. These generous match men include Bret Hrbek, George McIntyre, George Cline, Justin Appleton, Ken Evans, Mike Noble, Chuck Wymer, Nathan Patterson, and the late Lincoln Walker, who was adopted from HSWC.

I would like to thank our staff and volunteers, all who attended the event, and of course, our sponsors who make events like this possible. Our phenomenal list of sponsors includes Ellen Aders – State Farm, Jean’s Jewelers, Debbie’s Lighthouse, CSM Aesthetics, Bill Powers – State Farm, City National Bank, Blake & Co. Hair Spa, Reitano Vinyards, and Victoria’s Esthetics.

A thank you to sponsors of the 2026 event; and below a quartet of Society members mixing business with pleasure, Kayla, Laura, Krista, and Sara.

For more information about the Humane Society of Warren County, visit www.humanesocietywarrencounty.com.

(From a release by the Humane Society of Warren County through Executive Director Kayla Wines.)