CALLAWAY, Md. — A unique adoption and fundraising event is bringing together animal lovers and supporters of cancer research for a good cause. The Cat Castle Adoption Event, hosted by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Student Visionaries of the Year Team News Fights/Same Champs, will take place on multiple dates at the St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League (SMAWL) Cat Castle in Callaway.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and adopt cats of various sizes, colors, and ages, many of whom roam freely at the shelter. The event will also feature local vendors, food trucks, live music, raffle baskets, and donation opportunities to benefit both SMAWL and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
The Cat Castle Adoption Event will take place at Cat Castle, located at 20835 Callaway Village Way in Callaway. The event will be held on multiple dates, including Feb. 8, 15, and 22, as well as March 1, 8, and 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Each event will feature a rotating lineup of food trucks and vendors, giving visitors the opportunity to support small businesses while enjoying a variety of delicious food.
A Personal Mission for Cancer Research
Event organizer Alyssa Hammett has a deeply personal connection to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
“I originally partnered with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society back in 2023 because of the recent passing of my stepfather from Acute Myeloid Leukemia,” Hammett said. “He was like my best friend, and I do miss him every day, but I know he is in a good place. He struggled a lot through his cancer, but he always said, ‘new fights, same champs’—and that’s why I named my team that.”
Last year, Hammett’s team raised more than $10,000 for LLS. This year, they aim to raise $50,000 in hopes of funding advancements in blood cancer research.
What to Expect
Visitors can look forward to a fun-filled experience featuring adorable, adoptable cats, live music and entertainment, and exciting raffle baskets. The event will also showcase local vendors and small businesses, providing unique shopping opportunities. Food trucks will be on-site, offering a variety of delicious options for attendees to enjoy while supporting a great cause.
Food Truck & Vendor Lineup:
- Feb. 8 – Gato Tacos | Vendors: Amos Cozy Creations, Scentsy, Wax It Up Candles
- Feb. 15 – Boston Dawgs | Vendors: Hicks Family Creations, Yummylicious Treats, Wax It Up Candles
- Feb. 22 – Boston Dawgs | Vendors: Hicks Family Creations, East Coast Designs, Bone Appétit Treats
- March 1 – MadByrd Confections | Vendors: Hicks Family Creations, Vannea’s Crochet Shop, CiCi’s Sugar Shack
- March 8 – Gato Tacos | Vendors: Scentsy, Hicks Family Creations, Yummylicious Treats
- March 15 – Heidi’s Eats and Sage Treats | Vendors: Colorstreet, Hicks Family Creations, Vannea’s Crochet Shop
The event has already seen success, with the first adoption day on Feb. 1 drawing a strong turnout.
“Attendees should expect to see some cute cats, support small business, food & music, raffle baskets and LLS will be taking donations,” Hammett said.
Donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will be accepted at the event.
For more information, visit the SMAWL Cat Castle Rescue Center’s Facebook page.
Contact our news desk at news@thebaynet.com
