Adoptable pets take the runway at 'Pawject Runway' event in Baltimore

Annual fundraiser brings together celebrity advocates and adoptable animals from local shelters

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:55pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print of a dog collar repeated in a grid pattern, capturing the pop art energy of the 'Pawject Runway' event.The annual 'Pawject Runway' event in Baltimore brings together adoptable pets and celebrity advocates to promote animal adoption and compassion.Baltimore Today

The 'Pawject Runway' event is returning to Baltimore's CFG Bank Arena, featuring adoptable pets from the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) walking the runway alongside celebrity 'softies' who advocate against animal cruelty. The event is a major fundraiser for BARCS and Show Your Soft Side, typically raising between $250,000 and $300,000 to support the thousands of animals that come through the shelter's doors each year.

Why it matters

The 'Pawject Runway' event helps raise awareness about animal adoption and the importance of treating pets with compassion. By pairing adoptable animals with celebrity advocates, the event aims to educate the public and provide an opportunity for people to bring home a new furry family member.

The details

At the event, adoptable pets from BARCS will walk the runway alongside 'softies' - celebrities and athletes who spread the message that 'Only a punk would hurt a cat or a dog.' The event will also feature new activities this year, including DIY stations where attendees can make custom leashes, charms, and keychains for their pets. In addition to celebrity guests like MMA fighter John Rallo, the event will include musical performances and the possibility of appearances by members of the Baltimore Ravens football team.

  • The 'Pawject Runway' event will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026 from 6 to 10 p.m.
  • The event has grown significantly over the years and is being held at the larger CFG Bank Arena this year.

The players

Noelle Patterson

The director of philanthropy and communications for the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS).

John Rallo

A longtime 'softy' and repeat adopter who has participated in the 'Pawject Runway' event. Rallo and his wife adopted a cat named Rocky who had been rescued from a tree during a snowstorm.

BARCS

The Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, a local nonprofit organization that provides care and adoption services for thousands of animals each year.

Show Your Soft Side

A local nonprofit organization that joins forces with BARCS for the 'Pawject Runway' event to educate against animal cruelty.

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What they’re saying

“I think anybody who would harm an animal should be taken out of society. If you (can) hurt something as innocent as an animal, who knows what you would do to people.”

— John Rallo, MMA fighter

“When we saw Rocky and what he went through, my wife Angel, she was like, 'Oh my God. He's a fighter. He deserves a home.' So, we have him (and) man, he's amazing.”

— John Rallo, MMA fighter

What’s next

The 'Pawject Runway' event is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 24, 2026 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore.

The takeaway

The 'Pawject Runway' event showcases the importance of animal adoption and compassion towards pets, bringing together celebrity advocates and the local community to support the vital work of animal shelters like BARCS in caring for and finding homes for thousands of animals each year.