IT TAKES A VILLAGE. The Dunn County Humane Society is hosting the first-time "HeArt of Dunn County" fundraiser on March 8.

The "HeArt of Dunn County" event is a new fundraiser being hosted at the Mabel Tainter Theater on Saturday, March 8, to benefit the Dunn County Humane Society. The shelter is the temporary home of 1,000 animals every year, and each one receives the best possible care as they patiently await their perfect family fit.

To continue to fulfill that mission, the upcoming fundraiser – held from 5-9pm – invites community members to support the organization through the event's blend of artistry and music.

With 68 artists donating work to the event, there will be over 300 pieces available for purchase. A wide range of art will be available for purchase including pottery, stained glass, paintings, jewelry, woodworking, and more. Hosted at the Mabel Tainter, the event will have an atmosphere of artistry with musicians being tucked in different areas of the theater providing acoustic music to attendees as they browse the available artwork.

"Pet care costs nationwide are rising, especially vet care costs," Shelter Manager Harvey Weidman said. So far in 2025, the shelter has had six specialty surgeries with each one costing thousands of dollars.

Higher priced items will be available during a live auction taking place throughout the course of the event. Items will be listed in a catalog with the time they will be auctioned off so attendees can mingle and explore the theater without missing the auction of their desired item.

This fundraiser is new to the Dunn County Humane Society. “We have a really strong base of consistent donors that come to every single fundraiser event, so this new fundraiser is geared towards expanding that network and getting people interested in our mission,” Harvey Weidman, the shelter manager, said. The response to this first-time fundraiser has been positive so far with many artists excitedly donating work.

Now, the focus turns to the response from community members. The goal for this event is to have 130-150 attendees. With the funds raised, the humane society hopes to make facility updates and buy needed supplies. The need could not be more immediate, Weidman said. “Pet care costs nationwide are rising, especially vet care costs.” So far in 2025 the shelter has had six specialty surgeries with each one costing thousands of dollars.

The shelter currently has more than 60 animals in its care. Learn about how to adopt, foster, and donate online.

Purchase tickets to the March 8 fundraiser and learn more about the Dunn County Humane Society (302 Brickyard Rd., Menomonie) online at dunncountyhumanesociety.org.