Orphans of the Storm Celebrates 95 Years of Saving Pets

When Irene Castle, the world-famous ballroom dancer, actress, entrepreneur, and fashionista, founded Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter in 1928, her dream was to create a safe haven for homeless dogs and cats in the Chicago area.

As Orphans of the Storm approaches its 95th Anniversary this October, the shelter has rescued nearly 150,000 pets.

“We know Irene would be thrilled with the impact Orphans of the Storm has had on pets and people,” says Sandy De Lisle, Director of Development and Community Outreach. According to the Centers for Disease Control, pets have been proven to reduce pet owners’ bad cholesterol, blood pressure, anxiety, and loneliness.

The shelter is celebrating its founding in 1928 with $19.28 adoption fees for the month of October on all cats and dogs six months and older. “As the weather gets colder, it’s the perfect time to adopt a furry companion to cuddle with!” De Lisle says.

Orphans will host a Roaring Twenties 95th Anniversary Gala on Friday, October 13, from 6-10 p.m. at Independence Grove in Libertyville.

Guests will enjoy a three-course meal, an open bar (including cocktails at a "speakeasy”), live jazz music, and a one-of-a-kind auction. Information about tickets, sponsorships, and donations can be found on the 95th Anniversary Gala website. All proceeds will benefit the shelter as they plan for the future and continue their lifesaving work.

About Orphans of the Storm

Since 1928, the mission of Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter has been to take responsibility for each and every orphaned, abandoned, abused, or neglected dog and cat who reaches our doors; to take them in and shelter them; to provide the best medical and physical care possible for them; to nurture them back to health if need be; and finally to place them into warm, loving, adoptive homes where they can enjoy the lives they deserve. Visit: https://orphansofthestorm.org/