Two Huskies star at Seattle Humane’s Tuxes and Tails

Two Washington Huskies starred at the Seattle Humane society’s Tuxes and Tails event, helping raise money for rescue animals in need of a home.

In an uncertain world of name, image, and likeness, Montlake Futures, Washington’s NIL collective, has made a name for itself by using the name, image, and likeness of its student-athletes with good causes. The group has mainly used its platform to support non-profit organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and the American Heart Association.

Last week, those partnerships continued with another non-profit, the Seattle Humane Society, as Washington football senior Kamren Fabiculanan and Washington women’s basketball junior Elle Ladine participated in its annual Tuxes and Tails event.

As part of the event, both players walked the runway with bowtie-wearing kittens in hand that are available for adoption through Seattle Humane. According to the Tuxes and Tails website, the event raised $1.5 million in support of the organization.

“These critical funds will power Seattle Humane’s lifesaving work for pets in need, both at the shelter and in our community,” a statement from Seattle Humane said. “We are so grateful to this community for coming together to support our work and mission when we need them most.

This is the second year that Washington’s student-athletes have participated in the event, as wide receiver Giles Jackson and linebackers Carson Bruener and Edefuan Ulofoshio acted as “celebrity dog-walkers” in 2023.

As NIL continues to grow and change every day, Montlake Futures continues to be at the forefront of finding ways to combine paying student-athletes with great causes, and this is just another example of the good NIL can do in the Seattle community.