After a rough year, the SPCA of Texas is gearing up for its annual Fur Ball fundraiser.
So, what was so tough? In addition to its announcement that the SPCA would no longer be able to perform the forensics work, the shutting down of its low-cost veterinary clinic in southern Dallas after 17 years and a major donor requesting to have her name removed from the Dallas Animal Care Center, SPCA of Texas president and CEO Karen Froehlich “stepped down.”
Despite all these developments, the no-kill facility’s efforts to adopt dogs, cats, and critters are staying in place and need support.
Thanks to Christie and Elbert Choi, the Fur Ball will be Friday, October 20. But instead of a highfalutin hotel, the event will take place at The Factory (formerly known as The Bomb Factory) with live and silent auctions, entertainment and supper
According to Christie, “There is nothing more gratifying than helping the helpless and you can’t get more helpless than dogs. And to partner with SPCA of Texas, whose entire mission is to do just that, is such an honor and a privilege.
“It was a little daunting at first, I must admit. But I personally love dogs and I also love the diversity, the different walks of life, and the different people that SPCA of Texas brings together, especially to Fur Ball. It’s really cool to be a part of that.”
The Chois love of rescue pups started shortly after they married.
As Christie recalled, “Someone had abandoned this beautiful Pittie-mix puppy in a dumpster in Chicago during the winter. We both immediately knew we had to have her!”
Following Molly’s death, the Chois adopted Maddy and Ellie and decided to do more than adopt. They created their family foundation.
Elbert explained, “Dogs are first and foremost for us.
In doing a Google search about area animal groups, they discovered the SPCA and the Fur Ball. It was a love connection with “on a whim, we decided to sponsor it. We attended and absolutely loved it. … We work with several wonderful organizations, but our major support goes to the North Texas Food Bank and to the SPCA of Texas through the Fur Ball.”
Christie describes the Fur Ball as “a perfect date night. Why go out and spend hundreds of dollars when you can go to a charitable event, have fun and make a difference?”
Elbert wants “people to think twice before spending $5,000 on a new handbag or pair of shoes and instead, look at some organizations they can fund. It’s such a ‘me’ centered world; our generation looks to quantify return on investment even in the nonprofit world. This year’s Fur Ball will feature giving opportunities that identify what you are providing to SPCA of Texas.
“For example, a $3K sponsorship is so many vaccines, or $5K is so many spay/neuters. Everyone is looking for something in terms of a return.”
The Chois have created the theme for this year’s fundraiser as “Fifty Shades Of Purple,” with the hope that guests will get on board.
“Just imagine us all wearing gowns and suits in every iteration of purple imaginable, all to celebrate the rescuing of these precious and vulnerable animals!”
In addition to sponsorships for the black-tie evening ranging from $4,000 to $50,000, individual tickets also are available here.