“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
On February 12th, something truly magical happened. Not just sleight of hand or illusion — but the real magic of people showing up for one another, for animals, and for our shared community.
Photography by Gerard Lum
A Magical Evening of Compassion
Thank you for joining us at Hearts & Hocus Pocus on February 12, 2026 at the Sheraton Palo Alto. The evening opened with heartfelt remarks from Project HumaneKind President Carole Hyde — the driving force and compassionate spirit behind our work — whose leadership and deep love for this community set the tone for a truly meaningful night. We are also deeply grateful to our dedicated Hearts & Hocus Pocus Committee — Pamela Gerstein, Colleen Gerstner, Marilyn Kanes, Leonor Delgado, Jennifer Ott Cameron, and Michelle Carson — whose vision and tireless efforts brought this special evening to life.
From the captivating magic of Patrick Livingstone, Magician Unique, to the scholarly and inspiring talk “Fabled Friends” by Dr. Patrick Hunt, the atmosphere was vibrant with heart and shared purpose. We were also honored to welcome Palo Alto Vice Mayor Greer Stone, who joined us as an awards presenter in recognition of our extraordinary community honorees.
We celebrated our 2026 Community Awardees:
- Pets In Need
- Feline Friends Network
- Mayra Sabrina Sanchez
- John Hale
- Jonathan Kessler & Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue
- Youth Advocate: Kaelyn Tan
A wonderful time was had by all—filled with vegan bites, wine, meaningful connection, and a shared belief that kindness matters.
Laura Toller Gardner, CEO of Pets In Need, so beautifully captured the spirit of the evening:
“Receiving this recognition from Project HumaneKind is a profound honor… When we lead with compassion, we create a healthier, more connected world for both ends of the leash.”
We are deeply grateful to all who attended, supported, and continue to champion humane education. This night was a celebration of what happens when a community commits to compassion.
The Auction:
Where Stuffies Found Their Forever Homes
One of the most joyful moments of the evening? Watching our “adoptable” stuffies, generously donated by Draegers Menlo Park, find loving homes.
Our incredible MC, Patrick Livingstone, brought each character to life with heartfelt backstories before they were “adopted” by generous guests:
- Luna the Lamb, the soft dreamer who believes gentleness makes the world go round.
- Hop the Rabbit, bursting with energy and joy.
- Ella the Elephant, wise and loyal, never forgetting a kind deed.
- Sunny the Sun, radiating positivity and warmth.
- Buttercup the Cow, calm and utterly delightful.
- Buddy the Dog, reminding us that rescued love is the very best love.
- Tyra the Comfort Dog, named in memory of a beloved black lab who gave 11 years of love and service through Canine Companions.
In addition to these heartwarming adoptions, guests bid generously on curated wine selections, play dates with Board Member Jennifer Ott Cameron’s two horses Otis and Ed, and a special overnight stay courtesy of The Westin Palo Alto.
It was playful. It was meaningful. And it was another reminder that generosity can be both fun and impactful.
Thank You, Dr. Patrick Hunt
We extend heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Patrick Hunt for his thought-provoking talk, “Fabled Friends.” His reflections on history, storytelling, and the human-animal connection reminded us that compassion has always been woven into our shared narrative.
If you missed it — or would like to experience it again — you can watch his talk on our YouTube channel.
Thank you, Dr. Hunt, for inspiring us to see animals not only as companions, but as partners in our shared human story.
Coming This Summer:
Creative Creatures Camp 🎨
Compassion continues this summer!
Project HumaneKind will hold two separate special camps for young pet painters through the Los Gatos Recreation Department.
Through Creative Creatures, students will spend a week creating artwork and portraits of animals housed at the Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority shelter. Young artists will explore watercolors, mixed media, and sculpture with professional art teachers Vandana Pawar, Zohreh Safdari, and Manisha Chawda — while learning to become humane advocates. There are two separate weeks available in June to choose from.
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary community. Every act of kindness truly is a little bit of magic — and together, we are creating something beautiful. ✨