PAWS Chicago's 21st annual Fur Ball, a life-saving night for homeless animals

The 21^st annual PAWS Fur Ball was held at the Drake Hotel with elegant guests clad in black-tie along with their four-legged friends dressed in equally resplendent attire, think pups in tux! The event attracted over 600 guests who were scattered throughout the festively decorated spaces—Gold Coast Room and Grand Ballroom—with a cocktail reception held in the French Room.  

The evening consisted of a packed silent auction in the Walton Room and programs hosted by Natalie Bomke (of Fox-32) and Fred (of 105.5 KISS FM) in the Ballroom and Sylvia Perez and Jake Hamilton (of Fox-32) in the Gold Coast Room. A dinner buffet was available to both 2-legged and 4-legged guests and a doggie spa was on-site to relieve any excitement-related stress. A raffle featured exquisite diamond earrings donated by longtime sponsor A. Marek Fine Jewelry, valued at over $10,000. A live auction offered signed guitars from Dolly Parton and James Taylor, weekend getaways, spa packages and VIP experiences at some of the city’s hottest restaurants.

A showcase of adoptable pets helped find a home for Larry, a kitten who was adopted by honorary co-chairs Melissa and Michael Canning. An after-party with live music kept the party going until after midnight. Co-chairs for this year’s event were Nancy Timmers and Jon Harris.

Supporters Amy and George Burin brought along their best dressed Yorkies, one of which, Addison, was experiencing his 14^th Fur Ball!

PAWS Chicago is the Midwest’s largest No Kill humane organization and a national model in animal sheltering, committed to bringing an end to the killing of homeless cats and dogs. Since its founding in 1997, the organization has been abl to reduce the number of homeless pets killed in the city by 91%. (PAWSChicago.org)

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