Middleburg Humane Foundation to Hold Annual Havana Nights Fundraiser Gala on April 25

Funds raised are used to support animal rescue throughout the year.

MARSHALL, VA — The Middleburg Humane Foundation (MHF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue organization, will host its annual fundraiser gala on April 25. The event, Havana Nights, will be held at the Middleburg Manor (23320 Foxchase Farm Lane in Middleburg, Virginia) from 6 to 10 p.m. The cost is $400 per ticket and includes valet parking, drinks, dinner, and dancing. Dress for “fun Havana” — bright colors, fedora hats, etc. The funds raised will help animals in need.

MHF’s intake, adoption, and surgery numbers for 2025 were up. In 2024, MHF had 675 intakes and 543 adoptions, versus 1,155 intakes (up over 60%) and 971 adoptions (up 78%) in 2025. Last year, MHF also opened a full-time veterinary clinic, allowing the organization to take in animals in need of medical assistance (surgeries, heartworm treatment, viral infections, etc.). For many shelters in the area, even those that are designated “no kill,” animals with medical needs are often euthanized as there is no access for caring for them. Middleburg Humane Foundation was able to pull some of these animals from euthanasia lists over the past year. MHF’s vet clinic performed 926 surgeries as well as 663 community and local cat TNR (trap, neuter/spay, release) surgeries.

“This event is extremely important in raising the visibility of the organization as well as bringing in much-needed funding to help more animals,” said Josh Muss, chairman of the MHF board of directors. “Funds raised will help animals in need, including those with medical conditions.” The organization is also in need of foster homes as well as adopters so it can make more room for more animals.

The MHF board and the community suffered a huge loss this year with the sudden death of its top supporter, founder, and irreplaceable board member Lisa Ben-Dov. Lisa and her husband, Zohar, were the pillars of the rescue. They not only donated the 27-acre parcel where the new MHF campus is located, but also contributed time and financial resources to the planning and build-out of the new campus. The fundraising gala, held with the theme Lisa had designated prior to her death, will be held in memory of her. Each year, she and Zohar sat at the front table of the event encouraging everyone in the room to give to the animals. The gala will acknowledge the tremendous contributions of the Ben-Dovs.

This year’s MHF Pet of the Year is a locally rescued 38-year-old donkey. He originally came from the Bureau of Land Management’s roundup of wild horses and burros on the Las Vegas range. Often these animals wind up in kill pens and are sent to slaughter in Mexico or Canada. In 2010, a local Middleburg resident saw the donkey languishing in a pasture with a twisted hoof and was able to rescue him from the owner, who was neglecting him. She named him “Donkeee” and took him to a local reputable horse farrier, who was able to help his twisted hoof. Donkeee is very smart and now has a second donkey rescue pasture mate, Cotton. Both love peppermints and children.

The Middleburg Humane Foundation Pet of the Year is part of the annual fundraiser and open to bidding. The winner’s pet is featured throughout the year and at the annual fundraiser gala. This year Donkeee is the focal point of the gala invitation cover. A life-size cutout will be at the gala for photos.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the gala, visit middleburghumane.org.

Photo courtesy of the Middleburg Humane Foundation.

Posted on: April 7, 2026