While DIFFA Dallas’ Burgers and Burgundy was partying it up outdoors at The Village Dallas on Friday, October 20, the animal-lovers were donning their best bib and tucker for the SPCA of Texas‘ 2023 Fur Ball in Deep Ellum’s The Factory.
Needless to say, the scene stealers were the SPCA residents and graduates. And topping the list was a fellow by the name of Lt. Dan, whose backstory was only enhanced by a reunion with his mother, Grace. Here’s a report from the field:
It was a sea of every shade of purple imaginable Friday night, October 20, when more than 400 champions of the SPCA of Texas gathered at The Factory in Deep Ellum to celebrate and support the tireless work of the organization and the vulnerable four-legged animals they serve.
The gala began with guests like Sandra and Colin Fite, Carla Rockmore, Cathy and Paul Brown, Nancy Beck and Ward Hunt, Gina and Doug Gunn, Sunny and John Ackerman, Courtney Brandon Roane, Mandy Strauss, Jodi Benefield, Courtney and Andrew Nail, Michelle Bleiberg, Michelle and Paul Grandfield, Shelby Bobosky, Alexandra and Ariadne Pavlakis, Coral McMinn and Sara Wilkins enjoying the ease of arrival through the valet station generously sponsored by Sewell Automotive. The fun began inside with a photo opportunity against an SPCA of Texas branded background that included a fancy cat and dog decked out in diamonds and coat and tails.
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The Cuddle Zone, sponsored by VCA Animal Hospitals, which presented adorable puppies and adult dogs for guests to hold and pamper, left guests wanting more when cocktail hour ended. A whimsical digital photo booth, provided by Murray Media and sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, that encouraged guests to don zany hats and props, was a huge hit throughout the evening. Guests were wowed by the glittering and gorgeous jewelry designs of Marian Grace Designs at a pop up dedicated to donating a portion of the proceeds to the SPCA of Texas. Miss Texas Ellie Breaux even donned a beautiful necklace to show off to the crowd.
The Fur Ball stage was adorned with larger-than-life marquee letters that glowed in the iconic “SPCA” purple thanks to Shout It Dallas. One remarkable highlight of the gala was the largest mirror ball in the United States twirling above, spreading sparkle throughout the evening!
Guests perused the silent auction upstairs as they sipped cocktails, including the evening’s signature drink, the “Regal Beagle,” created with delicious Tito’s Handmade Vodka, cranberry juice and a splash of Sprite. A beautiful assortment of purple floral designs, thanks to Central Market, were placed on tables and were available for guests to take home in return for a donation. Other dining tables featured square glowing boxes with the stories of dogs and cats whose lives were made better through kind donations to the SPCA of Texas.
Emcee Ali Turiano, FOX4 Meteorologist, kicked off the festivities by introducing Plum, a spunky rescue dog—decked out in a brightly colored tutu—who is in fospice care because of kidney failure. Ali reminded guests that it is through their generosity that Plum is living in a happy, love-filled home, receiving the best of care for the rest of her life from the SPCA of Texas.
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Chairs Christie and Elbert Choi beamed with pride as they welcomed everyone and thanked them for their generosity. Christie, in a beautiful deep burgundy gown, and Elbert, wearing a black tux with a lavender bowtie and purple Nikes, also recognized the event’s sponsors for their commitment to the SPCA of Texas’ mission, the host committee, and everyone in the room for their generosity.
“The dollars raised tonight turn into life-saving surgeries for a rescued animal, special behavior support for the fearful and neglected, and an extra bag of food that can help a loving owner keep their pet, to name just a few,” said Elbert.
He added a very special thank you to the 2023 Fur Ball Honorary Chair Jack Knox, who has supported the SPCA of Texas for more than 30 years and has made an enormous difference in the lives of tens of thousands of animals. Mr. Knox received a standing ovation.
Interim President and CEO Don Lindsley took the stage and, in addition to sharing a heartfelt thank you to everyone, gave the guests an overview of the work of the SPCA of Texas. He focused on the work in the realm of animal cruelty, the challenge of overcrowding in the shelters across the country, and the SPCA of Texas’ never-ending commitment to keeping animals in their loving homes.
Lindsley also made an outstanding announcement. The 2024 Fur Ball Chairs will be Katy and Lawrence Bock, who were in attendance and sporting purple! He also thanked them for joining the SPCA of Texas in its mission of helping animals.
The live auction, led by auctioneer Morgan Hopson, heated up as guests bid often and high on the evening’s six live auction items. These included a five-night stay at the Black Diamond Family Retreat in Brian Head, Utah, and a priceless package focused on the animals and for the animals, featuring a behind-the-scenes tour of the SPCA of Texas with the new President and CEO as well as an exciting ride along with SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit.
Hopson then introduced the moving and heroic video of Lt. Dan, the doggie star of the evening, who was rescued from underneath a trailer as a little puppy. He was born with only two functional back legs. However, after months of care and love, Lt. Dan received a special wheelchair and was adopted, living life to the fullest. Lt. Dan was carried on stage with his medical rockstar, Dr. Amber Alu, Chief Medical Officer for the SPCA of Texas. As a total surprise, Lt. Dan’s mother, Grace, also joined him on stage! It was the first time the two had seen each other in more than two years and they were delighted. Grace even did a happy dance!
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It was the perfect way to kick-off the paddle raise—Pony Up for Paws.
Thanks to a surprise $50K challenge match, generously given by the Roberta Wright Reeves Trust, donors sprang into action, with the first paddle raise being a $20K donation. Each donor received a sparkle ring as a token of thanks.
Next on stage, SPCA of Texas Vice Chair Whitney Eichinger introduced her handsome guest, Palomo, a precious 12-year-old lab mix who is a direct beneficiary of funds raised during the event. His brave foster has been taking Palomo for heartworm treatments for months and he now is three weeks clear. Palomo is ready for adoption!
Eichinger thanked everyone involved in creating Fur Ball 2023 and graciously thanked all the guests and sponsors for their support and commitment to the animals. Finally, Ali again took the stage to thank guests and finish up the usual housekeeping items. She then invited guests to dance the night away with DJ Jennifer Miller.
Unique and creative co-producers Hamilton Sneed of HAS Events and Steve Kemble brought so many visions to life with imagination, enthusiasm and all that is purple to make this an evening to remember and enjoy.
The SPCA of Texas sincerely thanks sponsors:
- Purrty in Purple Sponsor: Sewell Automotive;
- Magenta Mutt Sponsors: Jack D. Knox;
- Paddle Raise Sponsored by Savannah and Braden Wayne;
- Photo Booth Sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka;
- Cuddle Zone Sponsored by VCA Animal Hospitals;
- Fuchsia Feline Sponsors: Dumbo Dombrowski, Whitney Eichinger, Mandy C. Strauss, Carla Rockmore, Brandt Financial Services LLC, Central Market, CTL Marketing, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, RKD, Travis-Lee Moore, Coldwell Banker Realty and Whataburger;
- Periwinkle Pug Sponsors: Sunny and John Ackerman, Steve Atkinson and Ted Kincaid, Michelle Bleiberg, Blair and Guy Heartfield, Courtney and Andrew Nall, Dr. Rachel Neese, Ariadne Pavlakis, Courtney Roane, Nancy Schaefer, CB Choi Family Foundation, Citizens National Bank, CityVet, Higginbotham Insurance, IDEXX Laboratories, JP Morgan Chase, MarshMcLennan Agency, Merck Animal Health, Northern Trust and Realtex Ventures; and
- Media Sponsor: “Modern Luxury Dallas.”
Fur Ball is DFW’s salute to the bond between people and their pets and a celebration of the SPCA of Texas’ important mission to provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home. All money raised through Fur Ball 2023 will go directly to the SPCA of Texas to help rescue, heal and find homes for thousands of animals.
* Photo credit: Thomas Garza