Paw-ject Runway Celebrates 50 Years of Saving Animals

Annual fashion show and adoption event benefits Show Your Soft Side animal rescue organization

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of brightly colored pet collars and leashes in a bold, pop art style.The Paw-ject Runway event celebrates the vibrant community and creative energy behind Baltimore's leading animal rescue organization.Baltimore Today

The annual "Paw-ject Runway" fashion show and adoption event is returning to Baltimore's CFG Bank Arena on Friday, April 19th. The event, hosted by Mindy and Jason, benefits the Show Your Soft Side animal rescue organization, which has saved over 12,000 animals in the past year alone. The event features adoptable puppies, kittens, and other rescued pets walking the runway alongside celebrity models, as well as activities like custom pet accessory making, a best-dressed contest, and photo booths.

Why it matters

Show Your Soft Side was founded as an anti-animal cruelty campaign, aiming to change the perception that only "punks" would hurt animals by showcasing athletes and other public figures who are passionate about animal welfare. The Paw-ject Runway event raises critical funds to support the organization's rescue and rehabilitation efforts, which are focused on saving every animal that comes through their doors, no matter the condition they arrive in.

The details

The Paw-ject Runway fashion show will feature adoptable puppies, kittens, and other rescued pets walking the runway alongside celebrity models, including athletes like Ravens players Dontez Walker and Trey Hendrickson, as well as singers John Allen and Jimmy Charles. In addition to the runway show, the event will have interactive activities like custom pet accessory making, a best-dressed contest, and photo booths. All proceeds from ticket sales, a silent auction, and other donations will go directly to supporting the work of the Show Your Soft Side animal rescue organization.

  • The Paw-ject Runway event will take place on Friday, April 19, 2026 from 6pm to 10pm at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore.
  • The silent auction for the event will open online on April 19th and feature prizes like a vacation home in France and batting practice with MLB players.

The players

Show Your Soft Side

An animal rescue organization dedicated to changing perceptions about animal cruelty and supporting the rehabilitation and adoption of rescued pets.

Barks

The animal shelter that partners with Show Your Soft Side to take in and care for over 12,000 animals per year, including everything from alligators to sheep.

Dontez Walker

A Ravens player who is expected to participate in the Paw-ject Runway fashion show.

Trey Hendrickson

A Ravens player who is in talks to participate in the Paw-ject Runway fashion show.

John Allen

A singer who is scheduled to perform at the Paw-ject Runway event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Only a punk would hurt a cat or a dog. Everybody knows my feelings. If you're a person that would like to hurt an animal, come see me and I'll hurt you.”

— John Rollo, Show Your Soft Side Advocate

“Medical care is our biggest expense. So the money that comes from Project Runway is really, really amazing to help the animals and we need it. We couldn't function without it.”

— Noelle Patterson, Barks Representative

What’s next

Tickets for the Paw-ject Runway event are on sale now at ProjectRunway.org, with general admission priced at $35. Those unable to attend can still support the cause by donating directly on the website.

The takeaway

The Paw-ject Runway fashion show and adoption event is a heartwarming celebration of the mission and impact of the Show Your Soft Side animal rescue organization. By combining celebrity involvement, adoptable pets, and interactive activities, the event raises critical funds to support the organization's work in saving thousands of animals each year and changing perceptions about animal cruelty in the community.