November 30, 2025
By: Sarah A. Neikam, SPCA Albrecht Center Marketing Director

For 17 years, Bloodies & Bagels has brought the Aiken community together each holiday season for a morning of fellowship and generosity. This year’s event, held at the Aiken County Historical Museum, proved once again why this gathering has become such a cherished local tradition, and the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare was honored to be the beneficiary.

On Thanksgiving morning, 1,000 guests filled the museum grounds to enjoy Bloody Marys, fresh bagels, hot cider, coffee, and live music in the crisp, fall air. But beyond the delicious food and drinks, what made this year’s event truly special was the outpouring of support for homeless, neglected, and abandoned animals across Aiken and the surrounding community.

Event coordinator Eleanor Togneri and her dedicated team of volunteers worked tirelessly to create a welcoming, festive atmosphere that brought neighbors and friends together. As Eleanor shared, “The Bloodies and Bagels event was a huge success because we had wonderful volunteers who care! Thanks very much for coming out to support this important fundraiser for SPCA Albrecht Center for animal welfare. We are all very grateful to you!”

The funds raised through Bloodies & Bagels will directly support the SPCA Albrecht Center’s daily operations, ensuring we can continue providing critical care to animals in need. Every dollar goes toward essential veterinary  care, spay and neuter surgeries, behavioral support, daily enrichment and more to ensure each pet is prepared for a successful adoption. Each animal that comes through our doors has unique needs; some require only routine vaccinations and basic care, while others need extended medical treatment, rehabilitation, or behavioral support. This generous community support allows us to meet the growing demand, especially during times of high intake when our resources are stretched thin.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Eleanor Togneri for coordinating this beloved tradition, and to every volunteer who gave their time and energy to make it a success. To the staff at the Aiken County Historical Museum, thank you for opening your doors and providing such a beautiful setting for this gathering. And to each person who purchased a ticket, made a donation, or simply showed up to celebrate with us – thank you for choosing to support the animals in our care.

As we reflect on this year’s Bloodies & Bagels, we’re reminded that traditions like this are more than just social gatherings. They’re expressions of community values, demonstrations of compassion, and powerful examples of what we can accomplish when we come together for a common cause.

The animals at the SPCA Albrecht Center are counting on this community, and thanks to events like Bloodies & Bagels, we can continue to be there for them. Here’s to many more years of this wonderful Aiken tradition, and to the lives that will be changed because of it. 🐾

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 as of 2022, Sarah is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She resides in Aiken with her husband, Tom, and several beloved cats.