More than 800 guests got gussied up for Fur Ball 2015 at the Omni Dallas, a James Bond-inspired evening dedicated to their favorite four-legged friends. Themed "You Only Live Twice," attendees warned their pet sitters that this would be a late night of dinner, dancing, and donating to a purr-fect cause.
For starters, the Kaminari Taiko Japanese drumming ensemble welcomed guests — including Mayor Mike Rawlings, Micki Rawlings, Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones, Phil Romano, Andrea Alcorn, Rhonda Sargent Chambers, LeeAnne Locken, Doris Jacobs, Cassie Evans, Robert Frierson, Eric Johnson, and Becky and Greg Fisher — while they made their way up to the party.
With lychee martinis in hand, people outbid one another in a competitive 300-item silent auction. But the real stars of the cocktail hour were the two litters of puppies from the SPCA of Texas' iFoster program. You've gotta appreciate animal lovers willing to get on all fours while dressed in formal attire so they can play with some pups.
To begin the program, mistress of ceremonies Gloria Campos and co-chair Jocelyn White welcomed everyone to the party. Guests also heard from SPCA of Texas president and CEO James Bias, who shared a touching rescue story involving Phoenix the dog.
There wasn't a dry eye in the room as Phoenix and his adoptive family came onstage, and in a funny moment, the playful pooch kissed his parents and then rolled over for a belly rub.
Also as part of the program, Kelly Thompson received the 2015 Spencer Humanitarian Award, which is given each year to an individual, company, or group whose extraordinary efforts have made a positive difference for animals. Thompson, a SPCA of Texas volunteer, former board member, and Ebby Halliday Realtor, is a true friend to animals.
After the live auction, the party really got revved up with Haute Chile, the Vanity Fair Oscar Party band from Los Angeles that has performed with Elton John, Ringo Starr, and Christina Aguilera. It's safe to say that event chairs Stacey Kivowitz, Katy Murray, and White outdid themselves this year and surely made their pets very proud.
Fur Ball 2015 raised $450,000 to help SPCA of Texas rescue, heal, and find homes for more than 50,000 animals. The organization encourages you to mark your calendars for September 24, 2016, as Phyllis Comu and Kristen Greenberg chair Fur Ball 2016.
Danny Tobey, Judith Tobey, Larry Friedman, Janelle Friedman
