It’s a fair assessment that at their core strong communities are filled with compassion. There’s a certain level of empathy that extends all the way from the most affluent members to those that oftentimes are overlooked. Through an on-going outpouring of goodwill, Bowling Green proves to be such a community.
For the last 20 years, this fact has been the driving force behind Montana Grille’s Paws event benefitting the Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society. Giving the people of Bowling Green an opportunity to show up and support their fellow four-legged community members who are without a voice to advocate for themselves. Since 2003, for one night a year – and sometimes two – Montana Grille has donated 100% of sales from the evening to BGWCHS for the betterment of animal welfare in Bowling Green and Warren County.
Year after year, folks line up literally around the block for their chance to purchase racks of ribs, despite any obstacles. Animal lovers and foodies alike have come out to contribute to the cause through rain, winds, cold, heat, a global pandemic, and even post-fire. It’s a testament to both the community and the hearts of the leadership of Montana Grille that the show has gone on every year, regardless of the circumstances.
In 2014, catastrophe struck when the restaurant caught fire just days before the annual fundraiser. Once staff were deemed safe, internal conversations immediately turned to, “How do we make this happen?” Sure enough, a plan for a parking lot drive-through led to a year of firsts for Paws, and Bowling Green showed up in droves. The turnout was so impressive that for the first and only time in its 20-year history a second Paws was held only a week later.
And it’s not merely a percentage of the profits going to the animals. It’s everything. Montana Grille takes no portion of the sales from Paws night, instead donating 100% of the money raised to BGWCHS where it can do the most good. The very first night in 2003, the event raised $13,376, and then 18 years later, in 2021, the event brought in a record-setting $51,144. With the dedication of steadfast supporters, donations from this event now totals $583,863.
It’s fortunate that Paws has continued to grow because so has BGWCHS.
From a singular building with a converted trailer serving as a clinic, to a four-building campus serving an expanded community and thousands of animals annually, BGWCHS has grown to be the highest intake shelter in the state of Kentucky. In 2022, the Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society facilitated 4,530 adoptions, reunited 1,090 lost animals with their families, and performed 5,399 low-cost spay/neuters for the public. Considering BGWCHS operates solely on donations, annual fundraisers like Paws are crucial for the shelter to continue saving lives.
Since that very first Paws night in 2003, the people of Bowling Green and Warren County have gathered for dinner in support of their furry friends. Time and time again, this community has shown their sheer determination to help those who are unable to help themselves, continuing a hometown legacy of compassion and empathy.
The 20th annual Paws will be October 16th at Montana Grille. Ribs Dinners complete with a full rack of ribs, beans, slaw, and a square of cornbread, will be on sale for $25 with 100% of the sales supporting the Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society. BGWCHS 2024 Calendars will be on sale for $10 each. Drive-through opens at 3pm.
On behalf of Montana Grille, thank you for your incredible generosity over the last two decades. Here’s to many more.
-by Nicole Coomer & Kate Holmes
