Well-known veterinarian Kwane Stewart will be the guest speaker Saturday at Anderson Humane’s 2025 “Better Together Gala: Saving Lives” fundraiser.

The benefit for the South Elgin shelter will be held from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 5, at the Q Center, 1405 N. 5th Ave., St. Charles.

Stewart founded Project Street Vet in California in 2020 and was named 2023 CNN Hero of the Year for the services he and his organization provide.The nonprofit offers free veterinary care, treatment and support to the pets belonging to people who are homeless or experiencing other housing issues, according to its website.

Stewart also has been featured in National Geographic and on NBC’s “Today” show. He recently provided aid during the wildfires in California.

Speaking by phone, Stewart said the topic of his Anderson Humane speech will be the kindness shown in the animal welfare world and how both people and pets benefit from kindness.

Project Street Vet currently operates in Los Angeles, San Diego, Long Beach, Atlanta, Orlando. Webster, Fla, and New York City. Thus far, the organization has assisted about 5,000 people and their pets through services provided by 40 volunteer veterinarians. More than 225 volunteers have helped run more than 200 outreach animal clinics, Stewart said.

“The Chicago area is on our radar, and we hope to have an operation in place there toward the end of this year or in early 2026,” Stewart said.

Based on his experiences assisting the homeless and their pets, Stewart wrote “What It Takes to Save a Life: A Veterinarian’s Quest for Healing and Hopes.” He likened the book to an urban version of James Herriott’s “All Creatures Great and Small.” He’s in talks to turn the book into a movie, he said.

He’s personally had 1,500 encounters with the homeless and their pets and has heard hundreds of stories, Stewart said.

While people may assume that homeless people don’t take care of their pets, Stewart has found that largely to be untrue and that the animals are well-cared for. There’s a unique bond between people and their pets, and they rely upon and need each other, he said. In many cases, homeless people have pets that were abandoned by people.

“The homeless and their pets are a lifeline for each other. I find this especially true of veterans and their pets,” Stewart said.

Tickets to the Anderson Humane gala are $250 and available online at savinglives.givesmart.com. For more information on Project Street Vet, go to www.projectstreetvet.org.