Heroes of every kind will be celebrated all season long in Palm Beach by American Humane Association and local philanthropist Lois Pope, one of Americas greatest champions for kids, animals, and the U.S. military. A full schedule of events from now through April will highlight important work to build a more humane world, beginning with a “Tribute to Americas Military Heroes” the evening of February 2, and the “Hero Dog Awards Gala Luncheon” at the Mar-a-Lago Club on March 1.

Here is the full season event schedule, with all events taking place at the new Lois Pope Center for American Humane Association (located at 241 Bradley Place, Suite C, Palm Beach) unless otherwise noted:

Tuesday, February 2, 6:00 p.m.: “Tribute to Americas Military Heroes” at Cafe Boulud, featuring decorated war veterans, including distinguished honored guest USMC Colonel Scott D. Campbell, the Commanding Officer of the Wounded Warrior Regiment in Quantico, honorary event chair and American Humane Association national ambassador Sergeant Matt Eversmann, a hero of the Battle of Mogadishu and the inspiration for the movie Black Hawk Down, and honorary event chair and American Humane Association national ambassador Colonel Dick Baumer, a veteran with a distinguished military career who managed the military working dog kennels in Vietnam. Also appearing will be country music legend and American Humane Association board member Naomi Judd and Captain Jason Haag, USMC (Ret.), American Humane Associations new National Director for Military Affairs. Capt. Haag will be accompanied by his service dog Axel, named the Service Dog of the Year at the 2015 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards. Capt. Haag will unveil national news that will benefit Americas active duty heroes, veterans, their families, and military dogs.

Saturday, February 13, 9:30 a.m.: “Wags4Patriots Valentines Brunch with Precious Pooches”. You and your precious pup are invited to join Capt. Haag, Hero Dog Axel, and American Humane Association President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert for a delightful conversation about our love of animals.

Saturday, February 27, 9:30 a.m.: “American Humane Photo Shoot”. A special event with American Humane Association champions and their animals.

Tuesday, March 1, 11:30 a.m.: “Hero Dog Awards Gala Luncheon” at the Mar-a-Lago Club, featuring 2015 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards winners Harley, Axel, and K-9 Dax, as well as television stars and Hero Dog Awards hosts Beth Stern and James Denton. Also appearing will be Food Network Star Donatella Arpaia and the Alex Donner Orchestra. The National Humanitarian Medal will be given to a journalistic hero who was instrumental in helping American Humane Association reunite Military Working Dog Matty with Army Specialist Brent Grommet after they were separated.

Friday, March 11, 7:00 p.m.: “Loving Animals in Palm Beach: Conversation & Cocktails with Local Animal Leaders”. Enjoy a lively discussion moderated by Dr. Robin Ganzert with local animal leaders on issues facing animals in the Palm Beach community.

Thursday, March 17, 7:00 p.m.: “St. Patricks Day with Cocktails and New Chicken Soup Book Signing”. Receive an autographed copy of the new Chicken Soup for the Pet Lovers Soul, and enjoy a celebration of St. Patricks love for animals.

Saturday, April 9, 9:30 a.m.: “Brunch on Canines and Cancer”. Leading medical researcher Dr. Annette Sysel (named the 2015 American Hero Veterinarian by American Humane Association) will discuss breakthroughs in canine cancer research.

Thursday, April 21, 7:00 p.m.: “Red Star® Cocktail Party”. Enjoy meeting Red Star Rescue Rescues national director Randy Collins and learn how we can keep our precious pups and kitties safe in times of disaster.

“American Humane Association has always gotten such a warm and supportive welcome from the Palm Beach community, and this year we wanted to give back by creating a number of events that any animal lover is sure to enjoy, said Dr. Ganzert. I look forward to welcoming old friends and meeting new ones at our beautiful new Lois Pope Center for American Humane Association. Our deepest gratitude to Mrs. Pope for her continued generosity and support of our work in the Palm Beach area and around the country.”

“For 139 years, American Humane Association has been the leader in the humane movement, said Lois Pope. We are proud that they work here in our community, looking out for the welfare and well-being of our animals and maintaining a base of operations for their historic Red Star Rescue program to protect the animals we love so much.”

Tickets for these events are limited so you must act fast. Please contact Mari Harner at 561-537-5887 or marih@americanhumane.org for more information and to add your name to the guest list.