Forever Paws' Fantasy Ball Fundraiser Brings Legends and Lore to Swansea

The animal shelter's 30th anniversary celebration aims to attract a new generation of donors.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:56pm

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An abstracted, out-of-focus scene of people in fantastical costumes and masks at a lively party, with pools of warm color and light, conceptually representing the enchanting atmosphere of the Forever Paws fundraiser.The Legends and Lore Fantasy Ball promises an enchanting evening of whimsy and wonder to support the Forever Paws Animal Shelter's mission of rescuing and caring for abandoned pets.New Bedford Today

Forever Paws Animal Shelter, a no-kill shelter in Fall River, Massachusetts, is hosting a fantasy-themed fundraiser called the Legends and Lore Fantasy Ball on May 2 at the Venus de Milo in Swansea. The event will feature a four-course dinner, dancing, tarot card readings, a photo booth, a costume contest, and temporary tattoos, with the goal of raising money for the shelter's operations and attracting a younger demographic of donors.

Why it matters

As a small, locally-owned nonprofit, Forever Paws relies on community support to care for the dogs, cats, chickens, parrots, and rabbits that are brought to the shelter, often after being neglected, abandoned, or abused. The fantasy-themed fundraiser aims to engage a new generation of donors and ensure the shelter can continue its mission of providing a safe haven for rescued animals.

The details

The Legends and Lore Fantasy Ball will feature a variety of entertainment and activities, including a four-course dinner, dancing, tarot card readings, a fun photo booth, a costume contest, and temporary tattoos. Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite book character or hero. Organizers hope the unique, fantasy-themed event will attract a younger demographic and turn them into regular donors for the Forever Paws Animal Shelter.

  • The Legends and Lore Fantasy Ball will take place on May 2, 2026.
  • Forever Paws Animal Shelter recently celebrated its 30th year in operation.

The players

Arianna Silva

The director of the Forever Paws Animal Shelter.

Chantelle Rogers

The administrative assistant at the Forever Paws Animal Shelter.

Forever Paws Animal Shelter

A no-kill animal shelter in Fall River, Massachusetts that houses dogs, cats, chickens, parrots, rabbits, and other rescued animals.

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What they’re saying

“We just finished celebrating our 30th year in operation, and that's fantastic, considering we're a small nonprofit, locally owned, with no corporate ownership.”

— Arianna Silva, Shelter Director

“The Legends and Lore Fantasy Ball is nothing like we've ever done before. We're trying to bring in a whole new demographic, younger people, people that haven't been to our other fundraisers, and hopefully keep them as a regular donor.”

— Chantelle Rogers, Administrative Assistant

What’s next

Tickets for the Legends and Lore Fantasy Ball are available for $95 per person on the Forever Paws website. The event will take place on May 2, 2026 at the Venus de Milo in Swansea.

The takeaway

The fantasy-themed fundraiser organized by the Forever Paws Animal Shelter demonstrates the creative ways that small, community-based nonprofits can engage new donors and ensure their important work of rescuing and caring for abandoned animals can continue for years to come.