Photos c/o Thomas Garza Photography
The SPCA of Texas' Fur Ball 2016, “Shedding Light on Their Future,” was held on Saturday, September 24 at the Omni Dallas hotel. The elegantly futuristic, totally sold out, black-tie evening included dinner, dancing and live and silent auctions for 1,200 guests. Guests were greeted with passed bubbly and savory hors d’oeuvres as they made their way up to the Omni’s Dallas Ballroom. During cocktail hour, elegantly clad ladies and gentlemen walked the purple carpet and chatted with M.C. and Real Housewives of Dallas star LeeAnne Locken and America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru Steve Kemble about everything from what they were wearing to why supporting the animals is so important. A three-piece combo from Limelight jazzed it up and a whole passel of puppies from the SPCA of Texas’ iFoster program (all spayed and neutered!) romped and played as they were cooed over and petted by the glittering guests. Competition was fierce at the over 300-item silent auction, which featured everything from sports memorabilia, fabulous spa packages, high-end jewelry, dining experiences (from the fun to the fine) and so much more.
Inside the ballroom, each beautifully appointed table was graced with gorgeous, glowing floral centerpieces thanks to Flower Reign by Shane Walker. LeeAnne Locken, M.C. for the evening, put the fun into fundraising with her energy and love of animals. SPCA of Texas President and CEO, James Bias, welcomed guests, staff and volunteers, thanked sponsors and shared with guests the important work the SPCA of Texas will be bringing to South Dallas in the future to help transform the community for people and animals, improving public safety and providing for the welfare of animals. Katy Murray, SPCA of Texas Board Chair and Chief Financial Officer for A. H. Belo Corporation, thanked the board of directors for their guidance and spoke about how the SPCA of Texas’ staff, volunteers and partners are intently focused at all times on saving lives, making a difference and never resting until the organization makes our community a better place for people and their pets. The SPCA of Texas also presented the 2016 Spencer Humanitarian Award during Fur Ball. Named for warm-hearted entrepreneur and long-tenured, past SPCA of Texas Board member Mary Spencer, the Spencer Humanitarian Awards recognize an individual, company or group whose extraordinary efforts have made a positive difference for animals. Mary Spencer presented the 2016 recipient of the Spencer Humanitarian Award to Karen Urie, a dedicated SPCA of Texas volunteer, board member and animal advocate. Debra Burns, Senior Vice President for Development, wrapped up by thanking guests, celebrating the generosity of North Texans for their gifts to the SPCA of Texas on North Texas Giving Day, just two days prior, and bringing home why supporting the SPCA of Texas is so important to change the lives of thousands of animals, especially those living in poverty.
Fur Ball 2016 was a tail-wagging success thanks to honorary chairs D’Andra Simmons & Jeremy Lock, Anne & Steve Stodghill and Drs. Wendy & John Vandermeer; chair Phyllis Comu; co-chair Kristen Greenberg; auction chair Sandra Fite; and event emcee LeeAnne Locken. Guests included Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones, D’Andra Simmons and Jeremy Lock, Anne and Steve Stodghill, Drs. Wendy and John Vandermeer, Michael “Mico” Rodriguez, Andrea Alcorn, Heidi and Bill Dillon, Fox 4’s Jenny Anchondo and Jennifer Meyers, WFAA-TV Channel 8’s Wex Houx and Monica Hernandez, Angie Barrett, Jocelyn White, Pamela Thompson Moayedi, Melissa Rountree, Cynthia Smoot, Cathy and Tommy Vieth, Tricia Sims, Shane Walker and Billy Fulmer, Betsy Orton and Sharon Fancher, Brian Walker, Dr. and Mrs. Richard Gray, Gus Hinojosa, Teresa and Chic Henderson, David and Carolyn Kubes, Pam Ragon, Danny Tobey and Patricia Villareal and Tom Leatherbury.
The evening’s production was provided by Nomad Productions and RSC Show Productions. Photographers for the evening were Bret Redman and Gregory Martin. The SPCA of Texas sincerely thanks special partners, including Rescuer sponsor: Jan & Trevor Rees-Jones. Defender sponsors: Linda Genneken, Marsha Pendleton-Gray & Richard Gray, Stacey & Don Kivowitz, Katy Murray, Patricia Villareal & Tom Leatherbury. Patron Party Sponsor: Northern Trust. Liberator sponsors: Diane & Hal Brierley, H-E-B/Central Market, Hill A. & Rene Feinberg, Hillary Hurst, Anne & Steve Stodghill and Sandra Urie. Advocate sponsors: Alphagraphics at Market Center, Andrea Alcorn, BKD, LLP, CityVet, Earthwater/Phyllis & CJ Comu, Gwen & Leldon Echols, Sandra & Colin Fite/TEAM FITE-O, Gay and Lesbian Fund for Dallas, Robert Goldberg, Grand Spa, Kristen & Scott Greenberg, Dean Gresham & Caleb Hernandez, Ken Hatley, Teresa Henderson, Hollywood Feed, Robert C. Horne, Jimmy Choo, Jeri Kleiman, Jack Knox, Suzanne & David Palmlund, PwC, Joseph Quinn, Pam Ragon, Residences at the Stoneleigh, Steven Rivard, Law Office of Claire Collins Schwarz & Mary Spencer, U.S. Trust, Bank of America and Drs. John & Wendy Vandermeer. Exclusive Print/Digital Media Sponsor: PaperCity Magazine. Proud Official Wine Sponsor: Barefoot Wine & Bubbly and Edna Valley Vineyard.
Fur Ball 2016 raised more than $510,000 to help the SPCA of Texas serve 50,000 animals and their people in 2016 and beyond. Next year’s event is already in the works. Fur Ball 2017 will be held on Saturday, September 30 at the Omni Dallas. https://www.spca.org
