May 22, 2026
By: Sarah A. Neikam, SPCA Albrecht Center Marketing Director

Spring and summer in Aiken are about community events – gathering together outdoors, sharing food, drinks, making memories, celebrating the things that matter most.

At the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, those same moments can become something even bigger: second chances for homeless pets.

Every adoption, every donation, every event attendee who shows up to support a fundraiser becomes part of a much larger story. A scared stray receives medical care. A neglected dog gets a warm bed. A litter of vulnerable kittens survives because someone stepped forward to help. Families find companions. Homeless pets find homes.

That’s why our fundraising events matter so much. It’s a way for you to help local homeless pets while joining your friends and neighbors for a great time.

This summer, our monthly Dog Wash Fundraisers continue to bring together volunteers and dog owners for some wet, messy, joyful fun, all while helping provide food, medical care, and shelter for animals in need. These events may look simple on the surface, but every scrubbed paw and wagging tail helps fund lifesaving work happening behind the scenes every single day. This summer’s remaining Dog Washes are scheduled for May 30th, June 27th, July 25th and August 29th, from 9am until noon.

In June, peer-to-peer fundraising will begin for the second annual Aiken’s Top Dog, culminating in our exciting competition event for the title on October 10th at Good Girl Brewery. Last year’s inaugural competition showed just how passionate our community is about their dogs and about helping animals.
Friendly, fundraising competition led to a thrilling day of participants rallying friends and neighbors to vote for their pups, all while supporting homeless pets. We’re excited to see this year’s candidates step up to become champions for the animals once again.

Later, as the year moves toward the holiday season, we’re excited to announce that Aiken’s popular Thanksgiving Day tradition, Bloodies & Bagels, will once again be held to benefit the SPCA Albrecht Center on November 26th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on the grounds of the beautiful Aiken County Historical Museum.

This festive holiday gathering has become a beloved tradition of good company and goodwill. This year’s event is already in the planning stages, and we are currently seeking local business sponsors interested in putting their brand in front of the 1,000 attendees while demonstrating their commitment to animal welfare in our community. Sponsorship support includes many recognition opportunities, VIP tickets and helps ensure that more funds raised during the event go directly toward caring for animals in need.

If you’re interested in sponsoring this celebrated event, please reach out to Jaden Garrett at [email protected] or 803-648-6863.

Closer to Christmas season, on November 2nd, the SPCA Thrift Store will be holding their annual holiday-themed shopping party with $10 tickets opening the doors to amazing finds, tasty treats and refreshing drinks.

Visit our website at LetLoveLive.org for a list of our upcoming events, and follow us on Facebook for announcements.

Every person who attends an event, washes a dog, votes in a fundraising competition, sponsors a gathering, or simply shares our mission with others becomes part of a network of compassion that changes lives, both animal and human.

As we look ahead to these upcoming events, we hope our community will continue walking alongside us in that mission. Because sometimes a community event becomes the reason an animal gets a second chance. And that is always worth celebrating.🐾

Sarah Neikam is the Marketing Director for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She has been with the organization since 2012, holding various roles including Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Operations & HR. A Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA), Sarah is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She resides in Aiken with her husband and several beloved cats.