Benny the Cat’s Birthday Party fundraiser hit a new high on Saturday, Aug. 24, with record attendance and funds raised for Helen Sanders CatPAWS. Approximately 150 guests showed up to wish Benny a happy seventh birthday, raising more than $7,200 while partaking in games, music, raffles, a vendor fair, checking out adoptable kittens and enjoying complimentary popcorn and lunch. Raising Cane’s of Long Beach provided lemonade and sweet tea. Garfield made a special appearance, to the delight of both kids and adults.
The previous record of $7,000 raised at Benny’s Birthday Party was set in 2023.
Highlights of the event included a presentation of a Senate Resolution presented by representatives of Sen. Janet Nguyen’s office. The Resolution read, in part, “For its distinguished record of public service and immeasurable contributions to the advancement of animal welfare in Southern California, Helen Sanders CatPAWS is deserving of special public recognition and the highest commendations.”
Benny’s story is bittersweet. He was rescued as a kitten from an abusive household, with broken bones and neurological damage. He was not expected to live, but CatPAWS stepped in to help pay for surgeries and he was ultimately brought home to live with one of the organization’s volunteers.
Benny’s plight sheds light on the intersection of domestic violence and animal abuse, which often go hand-in-hand. Benny’s story has a happy ending, and Seal Beach, along with CatPAWS’ friends and fans, turned out to honor the furry ambassador of survival and resilience.
