How to get tickets now for the Picasso Pets gala—give back + win a trip to Italy, August 22

Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher

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Three smiling women at a senior center petting two small dogs, a white fluffy dog and a brown curly-haired dog
All smiles for Hand in Paw! (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Looking for an excuse to dress up, enjoy incredible food and cocktails and bid on unforgettable experiences—all while supporting one of Birmingham’s most impactful nonprofits? On Saturday, August 22, 2026, the 25th annual Picasso Pets gala returns to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, bringing together animal lovers, art enthusiasts and supporters for an unforgettable evening benefitting animal-assisted therapy provider Hand in Paw.

Read on to learn more about this year’s Picasso Pets gala + how to get tickets to this event.

What is Picasso Pets?

A smiling man with long gray hair and glasses sits on the floor with a black and white Corgi wearing a yellow bandana reading "Deacon
An adorable Hand in Paw volunteer, Deacon. (Hand in Paw)

“Picasso Pets is a celebration of the incredible bond between people and animals. Every ticket helps ensure our Therapy Teams can continue bringing comfort, connection, and healing to those who need it most.”

Margaret Stinnett, Executive Director, Hand in Paw

Now in its 25th year, Picasso Pets is the signature fundraising gala for Hand in Paw, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides Animal-Assisted Therapy programs through passionate volunteers and certified therapy animals. Thanks to the nonprofit—which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary—more than 100 professionally-trained Hand in Paw volunteer teams serve thousands of people annually via visits to hospitals, schools, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and other community settings.

What can I expect at the 25th Annual Picasso Pets gala?

Hand in Paw Animal-Assisted Therapy volunteers in yellow shirts pose with therapy dogs at the Picasso Pets fundraising event
Hand in Paw volunteers at the Picasso Pets gala in 2023. (Hand in Paw)

More than just a gala, Picasso Pets is anything but a typical charity dinner. During the event, guests will enjoy an elegant plated dinner paired with Tito’s signature cocktails crafted exclusively for the evening, curated silent auction packages, a Wine Pull, immersive photo opportunities and much more—all benefitting Birmingham’s animal-assisted therapy nonprofit.

But one of the biggest highlights each year is the live auction, and this year’s lineup includes experiences and prizes you won’t find anywhere else.

This year’s prizes include:

1. The Face of Picasso Pets

The 25th Annual Picasso Pets: Wags to Riches, featuring Ginger — Saturday, August 22 at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
The poster for this year’s Face of Picasso Pets. (Hand in Paw)

One of the most unique and sought-after auction items of the evening is the honor of next year’s Face of Picasso Pets. The winning bidder’s pet will become the inspiration for next year’s gala, helping shape the theme, artwork and promotional campaign.

This year’s theme—Wags to Riches—was inspired by Ginger, the face of the 25th annual Picasso Pets and a rescue who found her forever home with Ashley and Dr. Farrell Mendelsohn. Although Ginger has since passed, her legacy lives on through this year’s Picasso Pets. Learn more about Ginger + how your pet could be the face of next year’s gala.

2. You could win a private dinner party for eight

A chef in an apron serves food to guests seated around a candlelit dinner table with wine and shared dishes
You could win a custom-made meal prepared by Hand in Paw staff at Picasso Pets. (Hand in Paw)

If you’ve ever dreamed of hosting a restaurant-quality dinner without leaving home, this auction item is for you. Prepared by Michael Hansen—Hand in Paw’s Director of Advancement and a self-taught cook with 30+ years of experience—this exclusive dinner party for eight includes:

  • A custom, multi-course meal tailored to your group’s taste
  • Thoughtfully selected wine pairings
  • A signature cocktail with Tito’s Handmade Vodka
  • Dinner service provided by Hand in Paw staff

3. Bid on a dream Italian vacation

Aerial dusk view of a stone Tuscan farmhouse with terracotta roof, lit courtyard, cypress trees, gardens, and hillside surroundings
A dream Tuscany vacation could be yours. (Hand in Paw)

This year’s auction also includes a jaw-dropping Italian vacation getaway for up to six guests! With an estimated retail value of $7,215, the “Under the Tuscan Sun Villa for Six People” package includes:

  • Seven nights in a three-bed, three-bath villa with private pool
  • Lunch in a winery with a cellar tour and tastings. (Transportation not included)
  • One traditional Tuscan dinner in villa prepared by a private chef
  • Concierge service to add extra activities during the stay

How do I get tickets to the 25th Picasso Pets gala?

Four therapy dog handlers in yellow shirts pose with their dogs wearing yellow bandanas in front of colorful artwork on easels
Hand in Paw volunteer teams in their trademark yellow shirts + bandanas. (Hand in Paw)

Ready to celebrate Hand in Paw at the 25th Picasso Pets gala?

Tickets start at $250, with VIP packages, reserved tables and sponsorship opportunities available for those looking to support one of Birmingham’s most impactful nonprofits.

Learn more about Hand in Paw’s mission + get your tickets to the 25th Picasso Pets gala on the nonprofit’s website!

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Nathan Watson
Nathan Watson

Senior Content Producer + Photographer at Bham Now | nathan@bhamnow.com

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