Inside Fashion for Furkids: Atlanta’s Most Stylish Charity Luncheon Returns at Furkids’ Botanical Sanctuary

Some afternoons surprise you. On a Wednesday in Cumming, Georgia, guests arrived not at a hotel ballroom or a rooftop terrace. Instead, they stepped into a blooming botanical sanctuary alive with birdsong, lily ponds, and woodland paths. Furkids Animal Rescue & Shelters hosted its third annual Fashion for Furkids at its 9-acre campus at 5235 Union Hill Road, just minutes from Alpharetta. From the first step onto the grounds, it was clear this would be no ordinary afternoon.

A Setting Like No Other

Photo Credit: Furkids

The luncheon took place at Shiloh Gardens, a restored event space within the Furkids campus. The property was once overgrown and neglected. Today, it is truly extraordinary. Guests first gathered for a welcoming reception indoors. Then they moved to a sunlit screened-in patio. There, set tables surrounded the afternoon’s main draw: a silent auction of new and vintage designer handbags. The selection included pieces from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Jimmy Choo, and Tory Burch. Online bidding was also open. As a result, the energy in the room stayed high from start to finish.

Fashion, History, and a Host Who Knows Both

Photo Credit: Furkids Nancy Flaherty brought the perfect mix of knowledge and charm to her role as host. She is an author, fashion journalist, and co-founder of the Couture Council of Georgia. She also served as U.S. editor of Captendance magazine. Her presentation traced the history of the iconic handbag. It was sharp, warm, and deeply informed. In short, it was exactly what the room called for.

Meanwhile, violinist Sharon Wenson performed live throughout the afternoon. Her music set a graceful tone without ever interrupting the conversation. Lunch came from Affairs to Remember, Martha Stewart’s chosen Caterer of the Southeast Region. They are also one of Bon Appétit‘s most celebrated caterers. The menu was paired with curated wines. In addition, Sophia Megazzini contributed artisan iced cookies shaped like handbags — a whimsical and fitting touch. Then came the surprise guests: two adoptable Furkids pups who charmed every person in the room.

The Mission Behind the Moment

Photo Credit: Furkids

Samantha Shelton, CEO and Founder of Furkids, opened the luncheon with a brief but powerful reminder of why everyone had gathered. Her story is well known in Atlanta circles. Still, it never loses its impact. What began with Shelton rescuing a family of cats from her porch has grown into Georgia’s largest no-kill shelter. It is also the Southeast’s largest cage-free cat sanctuary. Since 2002, Furkids has placed more than 80,000 animals into loving homes.

Furthermore, the organization is growing. This spring, Furkids opens a new dog shelter and the Giaquinto Medical Center on its Cumming campus. The new facility will double surgical capacity. It will also treat more than 100 cases at a time. With the 25th anniversary approaching in 2027, the momentum is impossible to ignore.

A Tour Worth Taking

After lunch, Shelton led guests on a personal walk through the grounds. They moved past gardens, fountains, and shaded woodland paths. It was a fitting close to the afternoon. Ultimately, the tour made the mission tangible in a way no speech could. Guests left with winning bids, full hearts, and the quiet satisfaction of time well spent.

To support Furkids Animal Rescue & Shelters, visit furkids.org. Follow @furkidsatlanta on Instagram.