Miracle on 8th Street gala raises funds for Sonoma animal shelter

More than 150 guests gathered Dec. 5 at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards in Sonoma for the “Miracle on 8th Street Gala,” which raised more than $300,000 for Pets Lifeline, the Sonoma Valley nonprofit animal shelter.

Founded in 1982, Pets Lifeline provides a range of animal welfare services, including sheltering and adoption for cats and dogs, low-cost veterinary clinics, vaccinations, pet food pantries and support programs such as behavioral training and senior pet care. The gala’s name refers to the organization’s address: 19686 Eighth St. E. in Sonoma.

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CEO of Pets Lifeline Olivia Kristiansen speaks before the live auction at their “Miracle on 8th Street” Gala at Jacuzzi Winery on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025 in Sonoma. (Nicholas Vides / For The Press Democrat)

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The evening celebrated a banner year for the organization. In 2025, Pets Lifeline recorded the highest adoption rates in its history, according to Olivia Kristiansen, the organization’s chief executive officer.

“We also hold free and affordable clinics for pets,” Kristiansen said, noting an 80% increase in spay and neuter operations over the past year.

Pets Lifeline also launched its first foster care program for dogs, allowing volunteers to care for puppies until they are weaned. A similar program for cats has been in place for years.

“Getting our dogs out of the shelter temporarily will increase their odds of getting adopted permanently,” Kristiansen said.

Jacuzzi Winery's barrel room is transformed into a dinner hall for guests of Pets Lifeline's Miracle on Eighth Street Gala on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in Sonoma. (Nicholas Vides / For The Press Democrat) — Jacuzzi Winery’s barrel room is transformed into a dinner hall for guests of Pets Lifeline’s Miracle on Eighth Street Gala on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in Sonoma. (Nicholas Vides / For The Press Democrat)

Pets Lifeline co-presidents Jane Hutchinson, left, and Laura Zimmerman make opening remarks before the live auction at their Miracle on Eighth Street Gala at Jacuzzi Winery on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in Sonoma. (Nicholas Vides / For The Press Democrat)

The gala featured catering by the Girl & the Fig restaurant in Sonoma and music by DJ Lionize of Kingstown Entertainment. Guests participated in both silent and live auctions, led by auctioneer Subyn Novelle, with items including vacation stays in Lake Como, Italy; Barcelona, Spain; and Park City, Utah.

For more information about Pets Lifeline and its programs, visit petslifeline.org or call 707-996-4577.