Staff Reports | Free Press Philanthropy
The Arizona Pet Project hosted its 23rd Annual HERO Awards on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Arizona Biltmore, bringing together more than 500 community leaders, advocates and animal supporters for an evening focused on the connection between people and pets.
The annual fundraiser raised $370,000 to support The Arizona Pet Project’s mission of keeping pets with their families during periods of crisis while honoring animals, individuals and organizations demonstrating service and compassion, according to a press release.
“This event is about more than celebration—it’s about recognizing how deeply intertwined people and pets are, especially in moments of crisis,” said Chief Executive Officer Leanna Taylor. “Each honoree represents why our work matters and why pet-inclusive solutions are so important in Arizona.”
The event featured keynote speaker Nathan Smith, chief executive officer of Central Arizona Shelter Services, whose work has focused on homelessness, behavioral health and outreach partnerships.
The evening was chaired by Sen. T.J. Shope and Melissa Dus, with Karl Obergh serving as honorary chair and Arizona’s Family meteorologist Ian Schwartz as emcee.
The 2026 Human HERO Award was presented to Monique Lopez, chief executive officer of UMOM New Day Centers, in recognition of leadership in homelessness services and the expansion of pet‑inclusive sheltering models, including onsite veterinary social workers in partnership with The Arizona Pet Project.
The 2026 HERO Award recipients included:
Animal HERO – Lola: After her owner experienced a life‑threatening medical emergency, Lola alerted her and retrieved a phone, allowing her owner to call 911.
Service to the Community – Piper: A bloodhound with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Piper located a missing 5‑year‑old autistic child in the Arizona desert after several hours of searching.
Animal Survivor – Josie: Rescued from a Texas kill pen while pregnant and malnourished, Josie, a miniature therapy donkey, now works with children, seniors, veterans and hospice patients across the Valley.
Loyal Companion – Rocky: Though untrained, Rocky alerted family members during a severe diabetic emergency involving his owner’s mother and remained by her side afterward.
Team’s Choice – U.S.VETS Phoenix: Recognized for serving veterans experiencing homelessness while allowing them to remain with their pets, reducing a major barrier to shelter access.
