WEIRTON — The Hancock County Humane Foundation held its annual WhiskerFest fundraiser July 26 at the Lauttamus Event Center in Weirton. Volunteers and board members expressed their “deepest appreciation to our supporters, volunteers and sponsors, for their contributions to the outstanding success of WhiskerFest 2025.” This year’s theme was “Sun, Sand and Saving Strays. The evening featured a Hawaiian theme, featuring an array of foods, drinks, dancing, singing and prize giveaways. All funds raised, which totaled more than $20,000, will be used exclusively for the benefit of cats in the foundation’s care, as they await their forever homes, board members stated.

Gary Conley, known as disc jockey Gcon, and his sister, Charity Smith, served as the evening’s entertainment. Organizers noted the entertainment portion of the event had the crowd dancing and singing karaoke.

A 50/50 drawing resulted in the winner receiving more than $500. However, the individual who won the drawing chose to donate the money back to the HCHF. The evening’s additional drawings and giveaways were a success as well, officials noted.

“Everyone loved the prizes that were won,” officials commented. The event helped generate a significant amount of money for the humane foundation and organizers stated everyone is already looking forward to next year’s WhiskerFest 2026 event.