Author: Hailey VanderWilt, Communications Coordinator
PAWS & Applause brought together the Paws With A Cause community for an evening that was equal parts celebration, connection, and purpose. Held in southeast Michigan, the event welcomed supporters, volunteers, clients, and friends for a night filled with meaningful moments, all centered around the life-changing impact of PAWS working dogs.
From heartfelt conversations to shared laughter over hors d’oeuvres and drinks, the evening reflected what makes the PAWS community so special: a deep belief in creating greater independence for people with disabilities through working dogs.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of attendees and sponsors, the event raised $75,000—surpassing the $60,000 goal needed to place one medical alert dog. This milestone is a powerful reflection of the community’s commitment to expanding independence for those who need it most.
Where Passion Meets Purpose
Throughout the evening, guests were reminded of the powerful mission behind every PAWS dog. Stories shared from the stage brought that mission to life—highlighting the independence, confidence, and freedom that these partnerships make possible.
Each PAWS dog represents years of dedication, from volunteer puppy raisers to advanced training and client placement. And at PAWS & Applause, that journey was celebrated in the most meaningful way—through the voices and experiences of those whose lives have been forever changed.
Honoring a Legacy of Impact 
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Independence Impact Award sponsored by Masco Corporation to Sara Osterman, whose dedication to PAWS has made a lasting difference.
From raising puppies to serving as a leader on the Board of Directors, Sara’s commitment has touched every corner of the organization. Today, in her role as Director of Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability at Masco Corporation, she continues to champion the PAWS mission with unwavering passion.
Her impact is a powerful example of how one person’s dedication can help create countless life-changing partnerships. It was a privilege to recognize and celebrate her contributions in front of the community she has helped strengthen.
Expanding What Independence Looks Like
This year’s event also marked an exciting chapter for Paws With A Cause with the introduction of a new assistance dog placement type, medical alert dogs.
These specially trained dogs will support individuals with conditions such as type 1 diabetes and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), alerting them to changes in blood sugar, heart rate, and blood pressure—often before symptoms are even recognized. 
The launch of this program represents a meaningful expansion of PAWS services, opening the door for even more individuals to experience greater safety, confidence, and independence in their daily lives.
As guests learned more about the future of medical alert dogs, there was a shared sense of excitement for the lives that will be impacted in the years to come.
Where It All Comes Together
To everyone who joined us, supported, and helped bring PAWS & Applause to life—thank you for being part of such a meaningful evening.
Because of you, more individuals will experience the independence, confidence, and freedom that a PAWS partnership makes possible.
If the evening left you inspired, we invite you to stay connected to this mission. Whether you raise a puppy, give your time, or make a gift, your support helps create life-changing partnerships for people who need them most.
Together, we’re not just celebrating what’s possible—we’re making it happen, one PAWS dog at a time.
