PHILADELPHIA, PA – Morris Animal Refuge is thrilled to announce the 26th iteration of its annual gala, the Fur Ball, on Friday, March 24. The shelter’s largest in-person fundraiser will benefit homeless, abandoned, and unwanted pets of the Greater Philadelphia region. The celebration will feature an extensive silent auction, music by DJ Perry Angelozzi, access to the iconic Heart and Brain exhibits at the Franklin Institute, a cuddling station with some of the shelter’s cutest furry friends, and much more.
The Fur Ball will be held in the historic Benjamin Franklin National Memorial Hall at The Franklin Institute on Friday, March 24, and will kick off with a VIP cocktail hour 6 pm - 7 pm, followed by the event reception from 7 to 11 pm. Tickets are available NOW, starting at $185 per person for general admission, and include a 4-hour open bar, delicious fare, live music, and dancing all night long. Those looking for an extra hour of fun can enjoy all this and more – with the $215 VIP ticket.
"The Fur Ball is our largest fundraiser of the year,” said Lewis Checchia, Executive Director of Morris Animal Refuge. The funds we raise are critical for our ability to help find homes for our animals forever. Last year, proceeds from the Fur Ball helped us adopt out over 1000 animals and maintain a 97% save rate - and we are looking to save even more lives in 2023!”
Attendees can look forward to a glamorous evening of dancing in the elegant memorial hall at The Franklin Institute, gourmet fare and an open bar featuring signature cocktails. Entertainment will be courtesy of DJ Perry Angelozzi, and partygoers will have the opportunity to meet some of the shelter’s most adorable kittens and pups at the giant Heart Exhibit.
Emceed by Steve Morrison of WMMR’s Preston and Steve, the event will recognize outstanding members of the Morris Animal Refuge community and provide guests the opportunity to raise money in a fun and unique ways, such as entering the 50/50 raffle, a robust silent auction, and a live-auction style Fund The Mission, where sponsor ARM & HAMMER will match all pledges up to $8,500.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards helping the homeless, abandoned, and unwanted pets of the Greater Philadelphia region and will help support one of America’s first animal welfare institutions with vital programs, including the Lifesaver Fund, the Fostering Program, and the Adoption Program.
Morris Animal Refuge will also be announcing Bill Lucia as this year’s recipient of the prestigious Elizabeth Morris Award, an honor reserved for leaders in the animal care community who truly embody the spirit of rescue.
“We are so excited to announce this year's Elizabeth Morris Award recipient, Bill Lucia,” said Emmy Homan, Director of Development and Marketing at Morris Animal Refuge. “Bill is an incredible animal lover who has a special place in his heart for senior animals looking for their second chance. For over a decade, he has been improving the lives of animals in need through his work with organizations like Morris and The Grey Muzzle Organization. We are honored to have his support and are thrilled to have him as the award recipient at this year's gala.”
For more information or to purchase tickets to The Fur Ball, please visit www.phillyfurball.com. Donations to support local furballs can be made online here.
