Ares, Poseidon and Dionysus were on their best behavior Thursday, April 11. After all, it’s not every day a puppy is a pooch-of-honor at Stanley Korshak. The occasion was the kick-off party for the 2019 Fur Ball. Joining the adoptable pups were 2019 Fur Ball Chairing Paynes (John and Lana Payne and Katherine and Jacob Payne), last year’s Co-Chairs Cindy Lindsley and Jennifer Lindsley, Russell Dealey, Brian Curtis, Andrea Alcorn, Katy Murray, Patricia Villareal, Steve Atkinson, John Ackerman, Ambassador James Brewster and Bob Satawake, Colin Fite, Lexi Holt, Madison McCune, Amber Camper, Gloria Sneed, Elizabeth Gardner, Judy Davis, Gianna DePaul, Chris Hurst, Pamela Graham, Phil Hixon, Dan Tatsch and Anja and Jeff Woodson. Here’s a report from the field:
The crisp early Spring air ushered in a crowd of brightly dressed guests as three fluffy, frolicking puppies served as greeters at the SPCA of Texas’ Fur Ball Kick-off Party the evening of Thursday, April 11, at Stanley Korshak. Ares, Poseidon and Dionysus snuggled close to their fans as they were paraded around the store. About 150 Fur Ball supporters, sponsors, members of the SPCA of Texas Board of Directors and former chairs joined 2019 Co-Chairs John and Lana Payne and Co-Chairs Katherine and Jacob Payne as well as Auction Co-Chair Amber Camper to enjoy the evening of shopping, sipping, snacking and of course cuddling with puppies. Special thanks to Stanley Korshak who offered 10% of proceeds from event sales back to the SPCA of Texas.
Co-Chair John gathered the Fur Ball supporters to reveal some big news about this year’s upcoming gala. He announced that instead of the traditional honorary chair, Fur Ball 2019 will feature a very special partnership with a company synonymous with Texas and whose roots are in rescuing animals, Tito’s Vodka for Dog People!
Guests sipped on the signature drink of the evening, the ‘Barking Berry Cocktail’, featuring, of course, Tito’s Handmade Vodka along with cranberry juice, club soda and lime, while Payne went on to say that he was extremely honored by the partnership, because the founder of Tito’s Vodka prides himself on building a company that is extremely philanthropic, especially to animal organizations, and they happen to make some “pretty darn good vodka as well.”
SPCA of Texas Board Chair Patricia Villareal next stood up and thanked Stanley Korshak; SPCA of Texas board members, staff members and volunteers; and Fur Ball 2019 Chairs and Committees for their wonderful work before excitedly announcing that NBC 5 News anchor Brian Curtis would once again grace the stage at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas as Fur Ball 2019 emcee. Villareal highlighted the critical need for an increase in donations to help the animals as the SPCA of Texas’ budget grows in response to the rising number of incoming animals in dire need of extensive, critical care.
After the brief remarks and thank you’s to all in attendance, including owner of Stanley Korshak, Crawford Brock and his staff, guests maneuvered around the jewelry, makeup and shoe counters, examining this year’s featured live auction packages. The “Go Gaga in Vegas” package garnered the most interest, as guests were excited for the chance to possibly see nine-time Grammy winner, Lady Gaga in her upcoming, exclusive Las Vegas residency. The Sewell for All Seasons was a close second, with the opportunity to drive four new cars throughout the next year, thanks to our generous partner, Sewell Automotive.
Event attendees also enjoyed samplings of delightful nibbles, including an artisanal charcuterie board, bacon wrapped apricots, tomato bruschetta parmesan crisps and petit champagne meatballs, all thanks to Preston Hollow Catering. Those who wandered over to the men’s section enjoyed whiskey, provided by Maker’s Mark.
The event was held in support of the SPCA of Texas’ Fur Ball 2019. The elegant black-tie gala will delight the senses with dancing and live and silent auctions. SPCA of Texas’ Fur Ball 2019 will be held on Saturday, September 21 from 6:30 p.m. – midnight at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas.
The event is sure to be a smashing success thanks to the Paynes, Underwriting Chair Arlene Kirkland, Auction Chairs Sandra Fite and Julia Howard and Auction Co-Chair Amber Camper.
All money raised through Fur Ball 2019 will go toward the SPCA of Texas’ important mission to rescue, rehabilitate and find loving homes for vulnerable animals.
* Photo credit: Thomas Garza