Every year, one extraordinary pet becomes the Face of Picasso Pets — the inspiration behind our event theme, artwork, and creative vision. For our 25th Annual Picasso Pets celebration, that honor belongs to Ginger.
Ginger's journey is one of resilience, love, and second chances.
A rescue dog who found her forever home with Ashley and Dr. Farrell Mendelsohn, Ginger embodied the transformative power of compassion. From uncertain beginnings to a life filled with love, she became a treasured member of the Mendelsohn family and a reminder that every life has value when given the chance to thrive.
Although Ginger has since crossed the Rainbow Bridge, her legacy lives on through this year's Picasso Pets celebration.
From Wags to Riches
Inspired by Ginger's remarkable story, this year's theme — Wags to Riches — celebrates journeys of hope, resilience, and unconditional love. Drawing inspiration from the timeless "rags-to-riches" stories of the 1920s and 1930s, the evening blends elegant Art Deco style, vintage glamour, sparkling cocktails, and jazz-age sophistication with the warmth and joy that define Hand in Paw.
Like Ginger herself, the evening is a celebration of transformation — and of the extraordinary connections between people and animals that change lives every day.
We're deeply grateful to Ashley and Dr. Farrell Mendelsohn for their generous support of Hand in Paw and for sharing Ginger's story with our community. Their generosity helped make this year's vision possible while supporting Hand in Paw's free Animal-Assisted Therapy programs across Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa.
Could Your Pet Be the Next Face of Picasso Pets?
Each year during our live auction, guests have the opportunity to bid on one of Picasso Pets' most exclusive experiences: naming the Face of Picasso Pets for the following year.
The winning donor's pet becomes the inspiration for the event's creative theme, is featured prominently throughout the Picasso Pets campaign, and earns a special place in the event's history. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate a beloved companion while making a lasting impact on Hand in Paw's mission.
Could your pet be the Face of Picasso Pets 2027? Join us at this year's gala and be ready when the bidding begins.
