Submitted by Kathleen Hennessy
(April 14, 2026) — The Pieper Olson Foundation has announced a series of special live auction experiences that will delight theatre lovers and Connecticut history enthusiasts alike at the Journey Home 2026 Gala this June.
Guests attending the gala will have the opportunity to bid on an exclusive private tour of the Katharine Hepburn Museum and the historic Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center — affectionately known as “The Kate.”
This one-of-a-kind experience will welcome up to ten guests for a private, behind-the-scenes tour of the museum, offering an intimate look at the life and legacy of legendary actress Katharine Hepburn. Born in Hartford and deeply connected to the Connecticut shoreline, Hepburn considered Old Saybrook her “paradise,” where she eventually retired.
Following the private tour, guests will enjoy a wine and cheese reception in The Kate’s exclusive Marquee Club, a private hospitality suite inside the beautifully restored 1911 theatre. The experience also includes a special Kate swag bag for the winning guests to take home.
In addition, guests will have the opportunity to bid on a truly unforgettable evening at the Goodspeed Opera House. This exclusive package for two includes tickets to Annie, and a showstopping twist: the winning bidder’s dog will have the opportunity to appear onstage in a walk-on role during the performance. Yes, your pup could be part of the show! This unique experience blends the magic of live theatre with the joy of celebrating the human–animal bond at the heart of the Foundation’s mission.
“This is exactly the kind of experience we love featuring at the gala,” said Kathy Hennessy, Executive Director of the Pieper Olson Foundation. “It celebrates local culture while helping raise funds for families facing veterinary emergencies. Experiences like this bring people together in a meaningful way.”
These items are expected to be among the highlights of the evening’s live auction, which will take place during the Foundation’s Journey Home 2026 Gala at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina on June 5, 2026. Proceeds from the gala directly support the Foundation’s mission to help families access urgent veterinary care when financial barriers stand in the way.
The Pieper Olson Foundation provides emergency veterinary grants that help ensure families do not have to say goodbye to a beloved companion simply because critical care is out of reach. The Journey Home 2026 Gala will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, silent and live auctions, and inspiring stories from families whose pets have received lifesaving care through the Foundation’s programs. For more information, visit pieperolsonfoundation.pet.
