Metro East Humane Society raises $37,242 during recent ‘Shelter Slumber Pawty’
Local participation contributed to record-breaking $1M national effort for pets in need
Metro East Humane Society (MEHS) recently joined 53 shelters across the United States — and three international shelters in Tanzania, Brazil, and South Africa — for the 2025 Shelter Slumber Pawty held during the first weekend of April.
This annual overnight event brings animal lovers together to sleep alongside shelter pets, raising funds and awareness for homeless animals. It’s all part of a growing movement that began right here in the St. Louis region.
In 2017, Gateway Pet Guardians (GPG) in East St. Louis hosted the first-ever Shelter Slumber Pawty, inviting staff and volunteers to spend 24 hours in kennels alongside shelter dogs while livestreaming their experience and raising funds. The event expanded in 2019, bringing together 17 St. Louis-area organizations, and by 2023, it had grown into the first International Shelter Slumber Pawty, with over 40 shelters from four countries raising more than $600,000.
This year’s 2025 Shelter Slumber Pawty shattered event records, with 56 participating shelters collectively raising over $1 million to support pets worldwide.
MEHS set an initial fundraising goal of $30,000. Within just the first few hours of April 5th’s 24-hour stay, that goal had already been met. Energized by the outpouring of community support, MEHS raised its goal to $35,000 and met that milestone by the morning of April 6. MEHS was also proud to place 7th overall on the Shelter Slumber Pawty leaderboards, earning a $500 Power Hour prize from Project Bella for having the second-highest number of donors during the event’s final hour.
As of April 9, the organization had raised $37,242. The organization continued raising funds through April 13 to help it reach $40,000 in celebration of its 40th anniversary.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community and the spirit of this event,” said Mady O’Reilly, development manager at MEHS. “It’s amazing to think that this idea started right here in the Metro East and has now become a global movement for pets everywhere — we’re proud that MEHS is part of that story and thankful to have an event that brings us back to our “why” year after year.”
Adding to the excitement, MEHS was surprised with a visit from Shelter Slumber Pawty co-founders Jamie Case and Laura Nelson of Project Bella, who stopped by to cheer on participants and celebrate the shelter’s success.
Throughout the night, participants at MEHS’ Edwardsville shelter snuggled into sleeping bags, read bedtime stories to pets, enjoyed late-night snacks, and spent quality time with the shelter pets their efforts support.
But even as the Pawty wrapped up, the mission continued.
“The heart of this event is not only about raising money — it’s about showing the world that shelter pets are family-ready,” O’Reilly said. “We hope community members feel inspired to come adopt, volunteer, and be part of the solution for homeless pets right here in the Metro East.”
MEHS invites the public to meet adoptable pets in person during open hours: Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
No appointment is necessary, and all available pets can be viewed online at mehs.org/adoptables.
Funds raised through the Shelter Slumber Pawty directly support MEHS programs, including medical care, adoption services, spay/neuter efforts, humane education, and community outreach.
Photos courtesy Metro East Humane Society.
2025 Metro East Humane Society Shelter Slumber Pawty Sponsors:
Event Sponsors – Purina & Project Bella
“All-Nighter” Sponsors ($1,000) – La Casa Mexicana, Alfonzo’s Pizzeria, Sugar Rush Sweets, Auffenberg Dealer Group
“Cat Nap” Sponsors ($100) – Rising Stars Boutique & Greek, Pride Rehab & Performance, PupKitchen, It’s Party Time!, CheeseKake Ko., Market Street Boutique, Annie’s Frozen Custard, Ed’s Delicatessen, All Natural Pet Center, Sneaky’s Bar & Burger Joint, Butler Marcus Group, Epic Ink, Scott Credit Union, Four Muddy Paws, AlphAs Gym, Rods ‘n Wrecks, Trendy Nails & Spa, Walshville Elevator, Inc., JacobsMyers Bar & Grill, Ashley Goes Global Travel Advisor, Lexi Moves St. Louis, Joe’s Pizza
About Metro East Humane Society
Since 1985, Metro East Humane Society has provided compassionate care and second chances to thousands of animals across the Metro East region. With locations in Edwardsville and Highland, MEHS is committed to building a humane community where people and pets thrive together. Learn more at https://www.mehs.org/.
