2025 VBSPCA Compassion Award Recipient: Allen Fabijan

Think of any charity in Hampton Roads, and there is a good chance that Allen Fabijan supports it. But of all the worthwhile causes that Allen champions, none move him quite like animal welfare. Fabijan continues his lifelong support of animals and the Virginia Beach SPCA through his media company, large social media presence, and his oversized personality. It is for his decades of support of nonprofit causes in the area – especially the VBSPCA – that he is receiving the 2025 Compassion Award.

“Being recognized with the Compassion Award fills my heart with overwhelming gratitude and joy,” he said. “To be recognized for something I’m deeply passionate about is profoundly humbling, and it strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for and nurturing animals in need.”

Fabijan learned compassion for animals in need while growing up. His home was always filled with dogs and wildlife in need of care – “raccoons, rabbits, opossums, birds. You name it,” he said. “My family has always felt it’s our job to care for our furry friends.”

Once he was old enough, Fabijan began volunteering at the VBSPCA shelter. He may no longer clean kennels, but Fabijan still supports the organization in a way only he can – by raising awareness of the mission and work of the VBSPCA through his radio station presence and large social media following.

Fabijan has even found healing through his work with the VBSPCA. After the devastating loss of Coletrane, his pet Weimaraner, Fabijan made it his mission to raise extra awareness for senior pets and long-term residents of the shelter.

“Seeing them find the home they needed and deserved filled the loss of losing Coletrane,” Fabijan said. “It opened up an entirely different part of my heart for doing all I could to help others experience the joy of having a pet like Coletrane in their lives. It’s the accumulated stories and experiences of lives changed for the better for those with four legs and those with two.”

Longtime supporters of the VBSPCA may associate Fabijan most with the annual Wags & Whiskers Gala. Fabijan has emceed Gala for almost a decade and plays a very active role in the Miracle Medical Fund paddle raise – employing his charm and peer pressure in equal measures to ensure as much money as possible is raised to support the animals of the VBSPCA. 

“It’s the community of advocates who support the VBSPCA that helps fuel my passion,” Fabijan said. “Everyone involved who champions animal welfare and helps create a better world for the animals who need us the most should inspire anyone to do more.”

However, Fabijan will play a different role at this year’s Gala, held Saturday, April 12th at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort. He is temporarily passing on the emcee’s microphone so he can fully savor the experience of being celebrated with receipt of the Compassion Award.

“This honor not only acknowledges my years of dedication to a cause close to my heart but also reaffirms the shared love and commitment of so many I have served side-by-side in Hampton Roads to help the voiceless animals among us,” he said. “This award is a testament to the collective effort of all who share in this mission, and I am immensely proud to be part of such a compassionate journey.”