PAWS4you’s Mardi PAWS! Gala 2025 Unleashes Generosity in Miami
If there was ever a night to let the good times roll—while making a difference for our four-legged friends—it was PAWS4you’s Mardi PAWS! Gala. Held at the Cruz Building in Coconut Grove, this year’s event brought together nearly 200 animal lovers, philanthropists, and community leaders, all in support of a cause as heartwarming as a puppy’s first tail wag.
A Celebration with a Purpose
The glamorous evening was filled with festive cocktails, gourmet dining by Mena Catering, and thrilling live and silent auctions, all to benefit PAWS4you’s mission: rescuing at-risk animals, nursing them back to health, and finding them loving forever homes. And while the decadent décor and lively entertainment set the mood, it was the heartwarming purpose behind the night that made it truly special.
A portion of the evening’s proceeds will go toward renovating PAWS4you’s aging rescue facility, ensuring even more dogs and cats receive the care they need before being matched with their future families.
An Honoree with Star Power (and Paws to Prove It)
This year’s gala honored none other than Mallow the Frenchie, the Instagram-famous pup and animal welfare advocate. Mallow and her owner, Gina Tomasetti, have leveraged their social media presence to raise awareness for rescue pets in need, making them the perfect honorees for an event dedicated to second chances.
“We’re truly humbled and honored to be recognized as the honoree this year. The work being done by PAWS4you to support animals in need is so inspiring, and I’m in awe of the dedication and compassion that drives them. This year's Mardi PAWS! event was a beautiful celebration of that mission, and we’re beyond grateful to be a part of it.”
Gina Tomasetti, Mallow's Owner
Of course, we couldn’t resist getting the inside scoop straight from Mallow herself—stay tuned for our Q&A with the night’s most pawsh guest!
A Night of Festivities and Fundraising
Miami’s elite arrived decked out in dazzling Mardi Gras fashion, sipping themed cocktails and dancing the night away while some of PAWS4you’s adorable adoptable dogs made special appearances. Because what’s better than a gala? A gala with puppies, of course.
Among the notable attendees were Ron and Rita McGill, Katherine Fernandez-Rundle, and Jacey Birch from Channel 10, all of whom lent their voices (and wallets) to support the lifesaving work of PAWS4you.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the generosity and support shown at Mardi PAWS! Every dollar raised helps us continue our lifesaving work, from rescuing animals in distress to ensuring they find loving forever homes. Seeing our community come together to champion this cause is incredibly inspiring.”
Carol Caridad, Founder and Executive Director of PAWS4you
A Community Coming Together
Led by Gala Chairs Kathy Cowan and Ann Rubino, Ambassador Linda Gibb, and Emcees Cynthia Demos, Julie Guy, and Tamara G, the evening was a true testament to Miami’s giving spirit. Generous sponsors—including Pai Shau, Paul and Kathy Cowan, Frank and Ann Rubino, Liz and Luis Miguel Messianu, Silva and Silva, and Annie and Rick Diaz—helped make the event possible, ensuring that PAWS4you can continue its mission of saving lives, one wagging tail at a time.
For more information on PAWS4you and how you can help, visit www.paws4you.org and follow @paws4you on social media.
Exclusive Q&A with Mallow the Frenchie
Mallow, you were the guest of honor at the Mardi PAWS! Gala—what was your favorite part of the paw-ty? Was it the gourmet dinner, the live entertainment, or maybe all the adoring fans giving you belly rubs?
Everything was beautiful and so much fun. But yes, the hundreds of belly rubs had to be my favorite part! I was soaking up all the love from so many generous and incredible people supporting such a worthy mission. It was truly my honor to be the guest of honor!
As a social media star, how do you use your platform to raise awareness for pet rescue and inspire your fans to support organizations like PAWS4you?
We love PAWS4you and their incredible mission to help save neglected animals. Supporting animals in need is important to us, and one of the most rewarding parts of being a pet influencer is connecting with so many other pet lovers who also love to support these worthy causes. I won a social media competition with Toyota a few years ago and was able to award their generous donation to PAWS4you. That was when we first discovered PAWS4you, and since then we always take our followers along to their special events, fundraisers, donation runs, etc.!
Being a pup of influence, what advice would you give to other furry friends looking to make a difference in their communities—whether it’s helping other rescue animals or simply spreading joy online?
Spend time connecting with what truly matters to you. Take that passion and get more involved! You can start simple — for example, search for your local rescue. See what volunteer opportunities they have or what donations they need. The feeling of giving back is one of the best feelings we can experience, and I really believe is one of the most valuable things we can do with our time! As for spreading joy, that’s what I love to do! Whether in person or online, everyone falls in love with my big smile and chill personality. It’s the best part — watching everyone melt as they come up to pet me, spending a moment of pure joy with the cutest dog they’ve ever seen, forgetting any worries. That’s what it’s all about, sharing the love and creating happy moments and memories!
PAWS4you’s Mardi PAWS! Gala was more than just a night of fine dining and fabulous company—it was a celebration of compassion, a tribute to those making a difference, and a reminder that every pet deserves a second chance. If this year’s event was any indication, the future of Miami’s rescue pets is looking pawsitively bright.