The Animal Welfare Association (AWA) organized the first annual Treat Yo’ Self event at foodwerx/eventwerx in Mount Laurel on Sept. 24. The evening brought women together to support the AWA and help animals find the loving homes they deserve. There was also food, fashion, wine tasting, jewelry, cosmetics, skin care, art and more to enjoy.
“You’re coming to work every day knowing that you’re making a difference in the lives of these animals,” said Jaime Moore, marketing and communications manager for the AWA. “To find them their forever home and work on different ways to help to keep them there is very heartwarming and bittersweet as well because you get very connected with a lot of these animals.”
Treat Yo’ Self is the brainchild of Margaret “Margie” Morace, founder of The Gracious Hostess, LLC, an event planning and design business based in Evesham Township. She wanted to do something to help raise money for the AWA, so she approached the organization to partner with her for the event. Although it’s something new for everyone involved, the goal is to have it every year, Moore shared.
“It’s a really fun day of getting together with your girlfriends, enjoying some food, wine tasting, local vendors, shopping and really unique, fun things, and it’s also a great opportunity for people to come in, enjoy some time shopping for themselves, maybe get a jump on holiday shopping and just have a fun evening overall, while raising money for the animals in our care,” Moore said.
The AWA operates the oldest and largest low-cost pet clinic, adoption center and no-kill animal shelter in South Jersey. The nonprofit does not receive funds from the government or national groups and relies upon local donations to fund its life-saving programs. Through a variety of innovative programs including adoptions, veterinary services, pet therapy, trap-neuter-return and humane education, the AWA ensures that animal companionship is accessible to all. This year’s Paws & Feet 5K Run/Walk & Doggie Fun Day – the AWA’s main event that’s designed as a way to showcase all that the organization does – raised more than $120,000. Moore started working for the AWA in 2024 and is passionate about using her skills to advocate for animals and connect them with loving homes.
“It is truly a wonderful experience to be able to see these animals find their forever homes and be able to be part of the matchmaking team for these animals and their families,” Moore said. “I half-jokingly say that I cry at least once a week because there are some animals here who may have been here a little bit longer than other animals, so we really do get connected. Seeing them move on and find their forever home, it warms the heart, but happy tears come out quite a bit.”
For more on the AWA or to check out animals up for adoption, visit www.awanj.org.
The 2026 Paws & Feet 5K Run/Walk & Doggie Fun Day for the Animal Welfare Association in Voorhees raised more than $120,000, helping to cover medical care, food and supplies for the shelter’s adoptable animals.
