HAWS now wants to celebrate with the community.
The organization is holding a 50th birthday party on Wednesday, July 22, at its facility that will include food and drinks, music, a meet 'n' greet with HAWS' adoptable pets, a look back at HAWS' history, the opportunity to talk with staff and tours of the facility.
And it wouldn't be a HAWS party without animals. That's why Smieja says pets are welcome.
HAWS' development coordinator Jennifer Smieja said the celebration will allow the community to see the nurturing environment HAWS has created for its animals.
"There's this mentality of the dog pound and shelters are these lonely, desolate places," Smieja said. "That's not true. You walk in here and it's bright and upbeat. The animal shelter world has changed. We have these great programs and are in a great community so we have much to celebrate."
Executive director Lynn Olenik, who has been HAWS' leader since 2004, also wants the event to be about the community.
"This is not an organization that is inside the walls of this building," Olenik said. "This organization has tentacles throughout the community and we want as many people that are familiar with us to come in and celebrate with us."
At a glance
What: HAWS' 50th Birthday Party
Where: HAWS facility, 701 Northview Road, Waukesha
When: 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 22
Info: A look back at HAWS' history, a meet 'n' greet with HAWS' adoptable pets, food and drink for 0.50 per item, music by Kaitlin Hahn & Friends, live remote broadcast by Marilynn Mee of 96.5 WKLH and tours of the facility. Pets are welcome.
Cost: Free, but donations are encouraged
Website: www.hawspets.org
Contact: Lynn Olenik or Jennifer Smieja at (262) 542-8851