National Humane Education Society
Events with a purpose.
Join us for community gatherings, family-friendly activities, fundraisers, and outreach opportunities that help animals and inspire compassion.
Make memories. Make a difference.
Our Signature Events
Throughout the year, NHES brings people together through outdoor activities, community traditions, family celebrations, and fundraisers that directly support animals in need.
Doggy Easter Egg Hunt
Explore the NHES campus with your canine companion during a fun-filled hunt for treat-filled eggs and seasonal surprises.
- Held annually during the spring
- National Humane Education Society campus
Tails on Trails 5K & 10K
Walk or run through the beautiful State Arboretum of Virginia while helping make affordable spay and neuter services possible.
- Choice of a 5K or 10K route
- Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce, Virginia
Dubs & Dogs Car Show
View classic and modern Volkswagens, Audis, and Porsches while supporting the animals cared for at Briggs Animal Adoption Center.
- Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche showcase
- Food donations support the emergency pet pantry
Founder’s Day
Celebrate the founding of NHES with family-friendly activities, educational outreach, and opportunities to learn about our life-saving programs.
- Educational and family-friendly activities
- Held near NHES’s September 15 founding date
Annual Campus Tradition
Doggy Easter Egg Hunt
Thank you to everyone who joined us for an egg-tastic afternoon with their canine companions.
Guests explored the National Humane Education Society campus while their dogs searched for treat-filled eggs, enjoyed seasonal activities, and created special memories with friends and family.
Benefiting Spay Today
Tails on Trails 5K & 10K
Thank you to everyone who walked, ran, volunteered, and supported the 15th annual Tails on Trails.
Held at the State Arboretum of Virginia at Blandy Experimental Farm, Tails on Trails raises funds for Spay Today, a program of the National Humane Education Society. Spay Today helps make affordable spay and neuter services available to families throughout the community.
2026 Race Winners
- 1st 5K Shelly Crowder
- 2nd 5K Natalie Ludwig
- 1st 10K William Whitaker
- 2nd 10K Emillie Miller
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We are grateful to the businesses and community partners who helped make the 15th annual Tails on Trails possible. Sponsorships help NHES continue expanding access to affordable spay and neuter services.
Interested in supporting a future event or promoting your business through an NHES sponsorship?
Contact our development team
Cars, Community & Compassion
Dubs & Dogs Car Show
A summer tradition that brings car enthusiasts and animal lovers together for a great cause.
Hosted with the support of premiere sponsor Dëutschwurx, the annual Dubs & Dogs Car Show features an impressive display of Volkswagens, Audis, and Porsches spanning from the 1950s through today.
The event is free for the public to attend. Guests are encouraged to bring donations of unopened cat or dog food to help stock the NHES emergency pet food pantry.
Support the Emergency Pet Food Pantry
Donations collected during Dubs & Dogs help NHES provide pet food to community members experiencing financial hardship. This assistance helps families keep their beloved pets safely at home.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We appreciate the returning and new sponsors who help make this community event possible. Their support helps NHES provide care, shelter, and second chances for homeless cats and dogs.
Businesses interested in supporting a future Dubs & Dogs event can contact our development team for sponsorship information.
Ask about sponsorships
Celebrating Our Mission
Founder’s Day
A community celebration honoring the vision of NHES founder Anna C. Briggs and the mission she began in 1948.
Founder’s Day celebrates the supporters, volunteers, staff, and community members who help the National Humane Education Society foster kindness and compassion toward animals.
Each year, NHES welcomes families to learn more about Briggs Animal Adoption Center, Spay Today, humane education, and the many ways people can make a difference for animals.
Humane Education
Families can discover how education, empathy, and responsible animal care can create kinder communities.
Animal Welfare
Guests can learn more about adoption, spay and neuter assistance, outreach, and the programs supported by NHES.
Community Connection
Founder’s Day brings supporters, families, volunteers, and local organizations together around a shared mission.
Eat Local. Give Back.
June Food Fundraisers
Enjoy a meal or special treat while supporting homeless pets at Briggs Animal Adoption Center.
Local restaurants are partnering with the National Humane Education Society throughout June. Visit a participating location, follow its fundraiser instructions, and a portion of qualifying purchases will help animals in need.
Upcoming June Fundraisers
Mark your calendar and review the participation details for each fundraiser before placing your order.
Texas Roadhouse
- Wednesday, June 17, 2026
- 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- 113 Market Street, Winchester, Virginia
- 10% donation night
Ledo Pizza
- Thursday, June 25, 2026
- Open to close
- 171 Retail Commons Parkway, Martinsburg, West Virginia
- 20% of proceeds donated
Online code: Fundraiser
Duck Donuts
- Saturday, June 27, 2026
- 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- 3101 Valley Avenue, Unit 104, Winchester, Virginia
- 10% of proceeds donated
Chipotle
The Chipotle fundraiser date and ordering instructions will be shared through NHES social media. Please check the latest announcement before placing your order.
Show the event flyer, mention the NHES fundraiser, or use the listed online code when required. Participation requirements may vary by restaurant.
Connect With NHES
Let’s create something meaningful together.
Have questions about an upcoming event or want NHES to participate in an event of your own?
Our development team welcomes opportunities to connect with local businesses, community organizations, schools, volunteers, and supporters who share our commitment to helping animals and fostering compassion.