Second Chance for Homeless Pets, a Millcreek nonprofit that has placed about 8,500 cats and dogs in homes, hosts its annual gala fundraiser Sept. 22 at The Grandview at Millcreek Common.

Founder Rhonda Greenhalgh started the organization 26 years ago at age 19. She traces the idea to a childhood visit to an animal shelter with her mother, who explained what happens to dogs nobody adopts. "I'll take them and I'll find them a home!" Greenhalgh recalled telling her, according to the Millcreek Journal.

Greenhalgh told the Journal she has a target: "We are at about 8,500 adoptions so far, and I am going to retire when I get to 10,000!"

The nonprofit runs on three employees. It reported $215,040 in revenue and $179,900 in expenses in its fiscal year 2024 federal tax filing, according to CauseIQ data.

Second Chance takes in cats and dogs transferred from overcrowded shelters, including facilities on the Navajo reservation, in the Four Corners region and in other rural areas. Greenhalgh told the Journal each transport brings 15 to 20 animals.

The organization is a partner of Best Friends Animal Society and part of the No-Kill Utah coalition. Holly Sizemore, chief mission officer of Best Friends, told the Journal that all but two shelters in Utah are no-kill.

Second Chance was among more than 18 groups at the Best Friends Super Adoption at the Mountain America Expo Center the first weekend of August. Close to 450 animals found homes over two days.

The Sept. 22 gala at 1330 E. Chambers Ave. runs from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and features dinner, drinks, live and silent auctions, raffle baskets and a senior dog kissing booth. Tickets are $75 per person. Online sales have closed, but tickets will be available at the door, according to the organization's website.

Residents can reach Second Chance for Homeless Pets at (801) 590-8999 or utahpetadoptions.org.

Upcoming

• Sept. 22 — Second Chance for Homeless Pets annual gala, The Grandview at Millcreek Common, 6–11 p.m., $75 at the door