The Bark & Boogie is where cool cats come to shake a tail feather and boogie for good. This lively, cocktail-style celebration brings the wag, the wiggle, and a whole lot of fun — with craft cocktails, crowd-pleasing fare, a live band that keeps the dance floor buzzing, and playful ways to give back woven right into the good time. Throughout the evening, the animals behind the cause take center stage, keeping spirits high and tails wagging while raising critical funds for animals and the people who love them.
The Potter League for Animals’ newly reimagined spring gala invites guests to gather on Saturday, April 11, 2026, in the elegant Grand Ballroom at the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa for an unforgettable evening that blends vintage flair with modern energy — all in support of the lifesaving work of the organization.
This is a party with purpose: vibrant, welcoming, and designed to engage every guest in meaningful ways.
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 9:30 PM
Location: Grand Ballroom — Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa
25 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport, RI
Attire: Cocktail attire encouraged — elegant and ready for a night out. A hint of vintage glamour is welcome, though entirely optional.
Parking: Complimentary parking is available at the Gateway Visitors Center Parking Lot, located adjacent to the Newport Marriott Hotel.
The night unfolds as a spirited, cocktail-style celebration with passed hors d’oeuvres and chef-curated stations served throughout. Guests are invited to mingle, move, and make the most of an open, energetic setting — there is no assigned seating.
Along the way, enjoy a live auction and our high-energy Paws Up Auction, discover silent auction pop-ups throughout the evening, and take part in lively fundraising moments designed to amplify your impact.
Christon Gibson, Co-Chair
Patrick Barry-Nolan, Co-Chair
Mary Lou Cavanaugh
Charlotte Marshall
Wendy Laranjo
Noelle Shiland