Hearts and Paws Gala

Sponsorship PDF Packet 2026 Event Photos

The Hometown Foundation’s Hearts & Paws Gala was the brainchild of longtime supporter, community leader, and K-9 advocate Renee DiNino, host of Hello Connecticut and Amazing K-9 Duos. Renee envisioned a night where K-9 officers could come together to be celebrated, recognized for their dedication, and enjoy a well-deserved night off.

2023 marked the start of this special event, and since then we have hosted hundreds of K-9 officers and their guests—at no cost—while raising more than $175,000 for the Hometown Foundation’s K-9 Program. Our partners, WFSB and Channel 3 Cares, have supported the gala since its inception, and we continue to welcome many returning sponsors and donors who recognize the vital role police K-9 teams play in keeping our communities safe.

The evening features dinner and entertainment hosted at the Farmington Polo Club. Another highlight of the event is our keynote speaker, and in past years we have welcomed industry leaders such as law enforcement leader, bestselling author, and nationally recognized advocate for working and retired K-9s, Sgt. Mark Tappan.

There are many ways to support this special event—from sponsoring a K-9 unit, gifting a ticket to a K-9 officer, or making a monetary donation, to providing an in-kind donation or raffle item.

For questions about the event or initiatives it supports please contact Meghan Sullivan at 203-250-5391 or msullivan@bozzutos.com