Canine Impact Awards & Gala
Theme - Casino Night
Presented by Animal Humane Advocacy & Herzog’s Heroes
Date: May 9th, 2026 • Time: 4-8pm
Venue: Starline Factory
Location: 300 Front Street, Harvard, IL 60033
The Canine Impact Awards & Gala celebrate the people and organizations raising the standard of canine care and ownership. From breeders and veterinarians to trainers, rescuers, advocates, and dog owners—this evening honors those creating real, lasting change so fewer dogs enter shelters and more thrive in loving homes.
This nonprofit-led event is the kickoff to our larger movement culminating in the Canine Expo & Symposium (April 2–4, 2027, Starline Factory, Harvard, IL)—uniting every corner of the dog world to elevate standards, reduce suffering, and strengthen human–canine relationships.
What to Expect
An elegant fine dining experience and awards dinner recognizing leaders across the canine community — all set within the historic Starline Factory, a venue whose timeless charm and character create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Enjoy a gourmet dinner and one complimentary drink ticket with each admission (additional beverages available for purchase).
The evening will feature:
The Canine Impact Awards – celebrating excellence in veterinary care, training, rescue, advocacy, and beyond.
Silent Auction & Raffles – supporting the programs of Animal Humane Advocacy and Herzog’s Heroes.
Short Talks – inspiring insights from featured guests and honorees.
Networking & Connection – among professionals, advocates, and dog owners dedicated to the greater good.
Ticket Prices
GENERAL ADMISSION (GA)
$100 Early Bird (May–July)/ $125 Standard Rate
Full Table (8 General Admission seats) = Early Bird $700 (saves $100)/ Standard $900 (Saves $125)
Includes:
Gourmet plated dinner
1 drink ticket
Starter casino chips
Access to all general event areas
Eligibility for door prizes
PREMIUM ADMISSION – Mid-Tier Option
$140 Early Bird/$180 Standard Rate
Premium Table (8 Premium Seats) – Early Bird $980 (saves $140)/Standard Rate $1260 (saves $180)
Includes everything in GA, PLUS:
Priority seating selection (before GA)
Early access to casino OR cocktail hour (15 minutes early)
1 extra drink ticket
1 raffle ticket entry
One “Lucky Draw” envelope at check-in
Special Gift
VIP EXPERIENCE
$175 Early Bird/$235 Standard
VIP Table (8 Premium Seats) – Early Bird $1225 (saves $175)/Standard Rate $1645 (saves $235)
Includes everything in Premium, PLUS:
Reserved VIP seating
VIP-only lounge with premium appetizers
VIP check-in line
Upgraded VIP gift bag
3 drink tickets (total)
Bonus casino chips
2 raffle ticket entries
Reserved table signage (if purchasing a table)
Priority opportunity for CES 2027 booth selection
Early access to BOTH casino + cocktail hour (30 minutes early)
Additional Tickets Choices (For Any Ticket Level)
Casino Rebuy Chips
$20 per buy-in
Commemorative Glass / Cards / Merch Upgrade
$15–25 depending on item
Reserved Parking Upgrade
$15
VIP Lounge Pass (non-VIP attendees)
$50 (limited quantity)
MISSION-BASED ADD-ONS
Paws of Honor Wall – $100
Submit a photo of your dog (or memorial photo)
Displayed on the donor recognition wall.
Rescue Support Donation – $150
Covers travel and handling costs for rescues attending with dogs.
Make it stand out.
Conscientious Breeder of the Year
Honors programs that demonstrate transparency, accountability, responsible placement, and lifelong support for dogs and owners.
Veterinary Excellence Award
Recognizes veterinary professionals advancing canine health through practice, outreach, research, or community education.
Trainer/Behavior Professional of the Year
Celebrates humane, evidence-based training that strengthens bonds, improves outcomes, and keeps dogs in homes.
Rescue/Placement Impact Award
For groups improving intake prevention, responsible placements, post-adoption support, and collaborative community solutions.
Grooming & Care Professional Award
Highlights standards of safety, welfare, handling, and client education that elevate day-to-day canine well-being.
Advocacy & Education Award
Honors efforts that reduce suffering and shelter intake through policy, education, or cross-sector collaboration.
Canine Community Partnership Award
Recognizes partnerships—across breeders, rescues, vets, trainers, owners—that model how working together achieves better outcomes.
Rising Star (Under 30 / Emerging Leader)
Celebrates new leaders whose ideas and actions are already making a measurable difference.
Get Involved
Fill out the form to learn more about becoming a vendor, sponsor, auction item donor or volunteer to make an impact on shelter prevention.