The Project Bella Foundation

The Shelter Slumber Pawty is a collaborative fundraising event that brings together animal welfare organizations to raise funds and awareness for shelter animals. For 24 hours, participants eat, sleep and 'pawty' with shelter animals at the shelter. The Pawty is streamed on social media allowing the public a peek into shelter life while encouraging them to donate.

Founders, Jamie Case and Laura Nelson, have a combined 20 years working in animal welfare. Both started as volunteers at local shelters and since have dedicated their lives improving the lives of animals. In 2017, while leading a St. Louis Area shelter, Jamie and Laura created a unique fundraiser: the Shelter Slumber Pawty. 

Baby Bella, or “Bella” for short, is a 30-pound mixed breed dog who was surrendered to Gateway Pet Guardians in 2016. Bella struggled to adapt to shelter life and only made canine and human friends after very slow introductions. Due to her cautious and sometimes diva-like nature, she spent years at the shelter.