Every year, in conjunction with Mardi Gras, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society Auxiliary Board hosts the Jazz Cat Ball, the social event of the season. Jazz Cat Ball is one of the largest animal rescue fundraisers in the South, including a black-tie gala, seated dinner, music, casino, and huge online and live auctions! This year’s Jazz Cat Ball was presented by Regions Bank and the Jefferson County Commission.
The Jazz Cat Ball has become one of the largest charitable galas in the Southeast attracting more than 1,000 animal-loving revelers. Every year tables and tickets sell out, and the waiting list continues to grow.
The GBHS Auxiliary Krewe worked hard designing the transformation of The Finley Center to become Mardi Gras on Bourbon Street complete with street lanterns, king cakes, moon pies, doubloons, throws, hurricane glasses, masks, and of course, a jazz ensemble prior to dinner.
The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS), founded in 1883, is the largest and oldest humane society in Alabama with a mission of "promoting the humane treatment of people and animals through education, advocacy, and services." The GBHS provides a wide range of services to the community, including adoptions, animal cruelty investigations, humane education, pet surrendering, and disaster preparation, as well as a Pet Pantry where struggling pet owners are provided food for their pet. The GBHS serves 16,000 to 20,000 pets annually and relies on donor support, volunteers, and limited staff to fulfill their mission.
