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Home > Archive > Mar 27, 2008

By Cami Cox
Staff Writer
Two local animal rescue groups will join paws April 5 to host the “FurBall,” a fancy fundraiser to benefit the Ivins Animal Shelter and the P.A.W.S. organization.
A big supporter of animal rescue, special guest Randall Carlisle, of ABC 4, will be master of ceremonies at the event, helping raise money for the shelter pets and the humans who watch over them.
“This is an absolutely terrific way to kick off the spring season and have fun by helping animals,” FurBall chair Sara Post Lee said. “It's going to be a magical evening, and it's going to be a lot of fun, as well, with some pretty fantastic items for auction and good people to meet.”
There will be both live and silent auctions at the FurBall, with a variety of goodies to be gaveled off to raise dollars for the dogs and cats. Such prizes as Las Vegas show tickets, original paintings from local artists, handcrafted jewelry, handmade lap quilts, Native American crafts, gift baskets and even a plane ride over Southern Utah will go home with the triumphant bidders.
There will be a feast of prime rib, citrus pepper chicken and also vegetarian dishes to tantalize the taste buds of FurBall-goers, and live music for dancing and listening will be provided by local band Desert Heat. Any wallflowers in the crowd shouldn't shy away from attending, Lee said, as dancing is optional for those who wouldn't care to cut a rug at the FurBall but still want to support the cause.
“Even if you don't like to dance, come for the auction – it's going to be spectacular,” she said.
The FurBall is the first collaborative effort between P.A.W.S. and the Friends of Ivins Animal Shelter, a local group that raises funds and awareness for the Ivins Animal Shelter, a no-kill city shelter in Southern Utah. Since both groups are in the business of saving, boarding and adopting out animals in need of homes, they decided to join forces for the FurBall. All the proceeds from the event will be divided between the two groups to be used for such things as veterinarian bills, spay/neuter and other expenses associated with caring for the pets.
“I'm just really excited about working with P.A.W.S. on this event, and hopefully it's something that we can build on each year,” FIAS president Linda Elwell said. “It is amazing the numbers of homeless pets that we have in this area.”
The FurBall will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn in St. George, and the hotel is also a major sponsor of the event. The evening's cuisine will be provided by the Hilton, and dressy attire should be worn to the FurBall, according to information provided by P.A.W.S.
Tickets for the FurBall will be $65 per person, and that price will include the dinner, dancing, entertainment and admission to the auctions.
Though the evening's special recipients, the animals won't be present to mingle with their benefactors and partake of the prime rib and chicken (they aren't allowed inside the hotel), but the pets will have a qualified representative on hand at the event to shake paws in their stead.
“We will have a professional, fur-covered greeter at the door to greet everyone in his majestic canine manner,” Lee said.
Both P.A.W.S. and FIAS will accept donations in lieu of attendance at the FurBall from those who wish to support the cause but aren't able to attend that evening.
The FurBall will take place April 5 at 6 p.m. in the Mojave Ballroom of the Hilton Garden Inn, 1731 S. Convention Center Dr. in St. George.
To purchase tickets for the FurBall by credit card or to donate to P.A.W.S., call 628-5353. To purchase tickets by cash or check, for more information or to donate to FIAS, call Linda Elwell at 673-1718. Reservations for the FurBall should be made by Tuesday, April 1.

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