Fur Ball celebrating 25 years

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The city’s oldest animal shelter will hold its largest fundraiser later this month.

The Morris Animal Refuge at 1242 Lombard St. will host the Silver Fur Ball: 25 Years of a Life Saving Celebration on March 25 at the Bellevue Philadelphia’s historic ballroom at 200 S. Broad St. The gala annually raises thousands to help pets at Morris Animal Refuge, which first opened its doors in 1874.

The in-person celebration and fundraiser returns after holding an online rendition last year due to the coronavirus. The Silver Fur Ball will benefit homeless, abandoned and unwanted pets of the Greater Philadelphia region.

“After celebrating last year virtually, the return of our in-person gala is just in time for the shelter’s historic 25th silver anniversary,” said Lewis Checchia, executive director of Morris Animal Refuge. “Morris Animal Refuge has been serving animals in the Philadelphia community since 1874 and now more than ever, our work is needed. We look forward to coming together as a (vaccinated) community in order to support our life-saving mission.”

The event will still require guests to show proof of vaccination despite the city lifting its mask mandate for indoor gatherings on March 2.

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The Silver Fur Ball will kick off with a VIP cocktail hour at 6 p.m., followed by the event reception from 7 to 11 p.m. Guests can look forward to a gourmet meal, an open bar with signature cocktails and a night of dancing to DJ Perry Angelozzi. The event is emceed by Steve Morrison of WMMR’s morning show “Preston and Steve.”

Tickets begin at $175 per person and VIP tickets can be purchased for $195, which includes an extra hour. The shelter’s most adorable kittens and puppies will be on hand giving hugs at cuddling stations and the event will recognize outstanding members of the Morris Animal Refuge community. 

The Morris Animal Refuge is known as an open-admission, lifesaving organization offering innovative and high-quality care for cats, dogs and other small animals. It provides a full range of preventive, protective and adoption services for abused, neglected and abandoned animals in the Philadelphia region.

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The gala will also hold a 50-50 raffle, a robust silent auction and a live auction-style Fund the Mission where sponsor Arm and Hammer will match pledges up to $10,000. All the money goes toward helping the homeless, abandoned and unwanted pets in the local area by supporting one of the country’s oldest animal welfare institutions.

“We look forward to the Fur Ball year after year, and especially this year, because it’s like no other event in the city,” said Checchia. “Animal lovers of all kinds get together to celebrate our four-legged friends in our biggest fundraiser while all enjoying great food and cocktails for an even greater cause.”