USPS Publication Number 16300
THE
SUMMATIONWeeklyy
This Community Newspaper is a publication of the Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association
S E RV I N G T H E F I RS T J U D I C I A L C I RC U I T Vol. 25, No. 13
March 26, 2025
SummationWeekly.com
1 Section, 8 Pages
Section A, Page 1
PAWS FOR A CAUSE PENSACOLA HUMANE SOCIETY'S ANNUAL FUR BALL
By Chloe Cadenhead
P
ensacola animal lovers are coughing it up for the fifth annual Fur Ball on March 29. Come dressed to impress and have a lint roller on standby for the Pensacola Humane Society’s most pawsomely heartwarming event of the year—Fur Ball. Since 1943, the Pensacola Humane Society (PHS) has been a leading force in animal welfare. In 1985, PHS became a no-kill shelter, prioritizing the lives of those who can’t advocate for themselves. Originally, the shelter was operated by only one person, but today, PHS has more than a dozen employees with hundreds of volunteers.
Making its debut in 2019, this black-tie gala was created to increase revenue for the PHS by hosting another fundraising event alongside their already well-established Barktoberfest and Paws on Palafox. The Fur Ball quickly became their most successful fundraiser, bringing in $130,000 in 2024 alone. Eloise Lautier, Secretary of the PHS Board of Directors and Fur Ball event chair, joined forces with Deborah Dunlap, Michelle Sauls, board members and a small committee of local volunteers to host the Humane Society’s annual fundraising event. “The money raised goes entirely to benefit Pensacola Humane Society and
the work we do for homeless, abandoned and neglected animals,” Lautier explained. With tickets selling out each year, the Fur Ball serves as an important funding source for our local Humane Society and the animals it serves. This year’s Fur Ball will be held on March 29 at 5:30 pm at the Pensacola Yacht Club located at 1897 Cyprus Street. Each ticket includes live music, wine, dinner, cocktails, auctions and, of course, a chance to meet some new furry friends. During the Yappy Hour, PHS will host its beloved Puppy Parade and Cat Walk in which guests can mingle with adoptable pets and hear their stories.
One of the biggest events each year is the auctions. Past auction prizes span a broad range of goodies, from art prints to a guitar signed by Prince. For the first time in Fur Ball history, this year’s auction will include an exciting vacation package. Perhaps the most notable prize of the evening is the Bow Wow Wow Wow! Table auction at the beginning of the night. Each winner moves to a special seat at the table set with piles of gifts and spirits. They also gain access to an open bar all evening. Above all else, Fur Ball is a chance to give back to the community while having a glitzy night of fun. All proceeds from the event go directly toward the animals.
Because the Humane Society does not receive federal, state or city funding, all funding comes from grants and fundraisers like Fur Ball. “I’ve always really loved animals and the Fur Ball makes me feel like I’m doing something that will help them,” Lautier said. Fur Ball tickets are on sale now for $175 each. Event sponsorship opportunities are also still available. For tickets and more information on event sponsorship, contact Eloise Lautier at (850) 450-8958. Stay up to date on all future events, adoptable pets and volunteer opportunities by following the Pensacola Humane Society on Facebook and Instagram, and by visiting the website at pensacolahumane.org.■
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