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VOTED BEST CHARITY EVENT IN WACO

18 CONSECUTIVE YEARS

Fuzzy Friends Rescue’s BARKIN’

BALL

RIO CARNAVAL

Presenting Sponsor

Fuzzy Friends Rescue’s

Barkin’ Ball Rio Carnaval

On behalf of Fuzzy Friends Rescue, it is our honor to serve as the Chairs for the 2026 Barkin’ Ball Gala in support of Fuzzy Friends Rescue. Like many of you, we have long admired the heart behind this organization. Fuzzy Friends is not just a rescue. It is a promise. A promise that no matter how an animal’s story begins, it can still end in love. It is a place where animals are given the time, care, and compassion they need to begin again, no matter what they’ve been through. That kind of work is not easy. It takes daily commitment, emotional strength, and a whole lot of love. And yet, the staff and volunteers at Fuzzy Friends meet every animal with open arms and an open heart. Whether it’s an elderly dog who has lost their home, a kitten found barely surviving, or a puppy dumped by the roadside, they treat every animal with the dignity and hope they deserve. This is why Barkin’ Ball matters so much. It is more than a fundraiser. It is the foundation that allows this work to continue all year long. The care, the surgeries, the food, the shelter, the second chances, Barkin’ Ball helps make all of it possible. As Chairs, we have been able to see behind the scenes, and what we’ve witnessed has only deepened our appreciation. Every dollar raised truly matters. Every sponsor, every ticket, every volunteer, and every guest makes a real difference. The impact of this one evening ripples far beyond the night itself. It touches hundreds of lives, both animal and human.

If you’ve ever loved a rescue pet, you know that they rescue us just as much as we rescue them. They bring joy into our homes, laughter to our slow days, comfort in our hardest moments. They are family.

So, we invite you to stand with us this year. Join us in celebrating the work of Fuzzy Friends Rescue. Join us in supporting the animals who are still waiting for their second chance. And most of all, join us in showing that compassion and community are stronger than hardship. Thank you for being part of this mission. We look forward to seeing you at Barkin’ Ball 2026 for an unforgettable evening filled with purpose, joy, and the shared love of animals.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Michele & Pete Groetzinger 2026 Barkin’ Ball Chairs

Your Entertainment for the Evening

The Pictures Band Get ready to feel the beat! The Pictures Band, Austin’s award-winning, high-energy variety band, is bringing the sizzle to this year’s Barkin’ Ball: Rio Carnaval. Known for their electrifying performances, world-class musicianship, and contagious energy, they will transform the dance floor into a whirlwind of color, rhythm, and celebration worthy of Brazil’s most famous festival. From Motown to today’s chart-toppers, Latin grooves to classic dance anthems, their massive playlist ensures every guest will find their jam. Expect dazzling horns, show-stopping vocals, and a stage presence that pulls you straight into the party. With decades of experience including tours with music legends and a reputation as Austin’s Best Party Band, The Pictures Band delivers a oneof-a-kind performance that is never off the shelf. This is live entertainment at its most vibrant. So bring your best moves, your brightest smiles, and your Rio spirit. The Pictures Band will make sure Barkin’ Ball is an unforgettable night of dancing, music, and celebration for the animals we love.

Your $’s Making the Difference…. Celebrating 28 years of impacting lives! Dogs and puppies saved – 15,066 Cats and kittens saved – 5,518 Children reached through our school READ Program – 443 Visits to area nursing homes through our SMILES Program- 3,441 Children touched by our Humane Education Programs – 16,542 Folks made happy – too many to count!

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 2026 Presenting Sponsor

$30,000 - Presenting Sponsor : Amenities Sold • • • • • •

Save 600 lives

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Three Reserved Tables for Ten (30 Seats) Name and/or Logo in Television Promotional PSA’s Name and/or Logo on Outgoing Invitation as Presenting Sponsor Name and/or Logo on Facebook, Instagram, and FFR Emails Promoting the Event Name and/or Logo recognition as Presenting Sponsor in Marketing Materials leading up to the Ball

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Name/Logo displayed on rotating screen during event Prominent Signage at the Ball Recognition on FFR Website for One Year with Link back to Your Business Website Recipient of Special Award Recognized as Entertainment Sponsor from the Stage VIP Seating and Table Signage Complimentary Valet Parking

$20,000 - Best of Breed : Amenities • • • • • • • • •

Save 400 lives

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Two Reserved Tables for Ten (20 Seats) Name/Logo displayed on rotating screen during event Prominent Signage Recognition in Event Program and Memorial Wall Recognition on FFR Website for One Year with Link back to Your Business Website Social Media Features: Facebook and Instagram VIP Seating and Table Signage Complimentary Valet Parking

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Decor Sponsor Find Your Way Home Sponsor: Microchip 1,176 Animals Fixer Upper Sponsor: Provide 308 Spay/Neuter Surgeries Heal A Heart Sponsor: Provide 100 Heartworm Treatments Transport Sponsor: Name and Logo prominently featured on each side of FFR Transport Van Sold

$15,000 - Grand Champion : Amenities • • • • • • • • •

Save 300 lives Two Reserved Tables for Ten (20 Seats) Name/Logo displayed on rotating screen during event Prominent Signage Recognition in Event Program and Memorial Wall Recognition on FFR Website for One Year with Link back to Your Business Website Social Media Features: Facebook and Instagram VIP Seating and Table Signage Complimentary Valet Parking

Sponsorship Opportunities: • • • • • • • • •

Entertainment Sponsor Sold Find Your Way Home Sponsor: Microchip 882 Animals Fixer Upper Sponsor: Provide 231 Spay/Neuter Surgeries Heal A Heart Sponsor: Provide 75 Heartworm Treatments Pets of the Week: Name and/or Logo on Social Media Posts Weekly Sold Runway Sponsor: Prominent Signage and recognition from the Runway Sold Silent Auction: Name and Logo on Bid Sheets and branded take home bag Sold Speciality Bar: Exclusive opportunity featuring specialty drink Sold Venue Sponsor: Prominent Signage and recognition from the stage

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES $10,000 - Best of Show : Amenities • • • • • • • •

Save 200 lives

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Reserved Table for Ten (10 Seats) Name/Logo displayed on rotating screen during event Prominent Signage Recognition in Event Program and Memorial Wall Recognition on FFR Website for One Year with Link back to Your Business Website VIP Seating and Table Signage Complimentary Valet Parking

•

Catering Sponsor (3 Available): Name on Menu Card in Outgoing Invitation and Signage at Buffet Tables 1 Available Find Your Way Home Sponsor: Microchip 588 Animals Fixer Upper Sponsor: Provide 154 Spay/Neuter Sugeries Heal A Heart Sponsor: Provide 50 Heartworm Treatments Mother’s Day Mailer: Name and Logo on the Printed Mailer and delivered to over 10,000 residences Sold Thankful Thursday: Social Media feature on Facebook thanking our community Sold Valet Parking: Name and Logo Prominently Displayed Sold Year-End Appeal: Name and Logo on the Printed Appeal and delivered to over 10,000 residences Sold Wacoan Model of the Year

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$8,000 - Blue Ribbon : Amenities • • • • • • • •

Save 160 lives

Sponsorship Opportunities:

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$6,000 – Top Dog : Amenities • • • • • • • •

Save 120 lives Reserved Table for Ten (10 Seats) Name/Logo displayed on rotating screen during event Prominent Signage Recognition in Event Program and Memorial Wall Recognition on FFR Website for One Year with Link back to Your Business Website VIP Seating and Table Signage Complimentary Valet Parking

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Barkin’ Ball Raffle: Name and Logo on Raffle Tickets and Signage at Raffle Table Sold Bar Sponsor (2 Available): Prominent Branding and Signage at Main Bars 1 Available Cover Hound: Your Pet will be featured on Program Cover including a Biography Inside Sold Exclusive Photo Experience Sold Find Your Way Home Sponsor: Microchip 470 Animals Fixer Upper Sponsor: Provide 115 Spay/Neuter Sugeries Heal A Heart Sponsor: Provide 37 Heartworm Treatments

Sponsorship Opportunities: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Audible Auction: Name and Logo on Audible Auction Card in Outgoing Main Invitation Sold Beverage Sponsor: Prominent Signage at Main Bars Sold Find Your Way Home Sponsor: Microchip 352 Animals Fixer Upper Sponsor: Provide 76 Spay/Neuter Surgeries Heal A Heart Sponsor: Provide 25 Heartworm Treatments Landscape Sponsor: Name and Logo featured on-site at FFR for One Year Mission Moment: Branded Card and Envelope on Guest Tables, Name and Logo on Video Screens Invitation Outgoing Envelope: Name and Logo featured on the Sold outgoing envelope. Sent to over 1,000 households and businesses. Save the Date Card: Name and Logo sent to entire mailing list Sold Second Chance Saturday: Branded Going Home Sign and Social Media: Facebook and Instagram Sold Wine & Spirits Pull: Name and logo featured on signage at event and bottle labels. Success Sunday: Branded post every Sunday featuring an FFR 5 Alumni success story Sold

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES $4,500 – Fidos Favorite : Amenities • • • • • • •

Save 90 lives

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Reserved Table for Ten (10 Seats) Preferred Seating and Table Signage Recognition in Event Program and Memorial Wall Recognition on FFR Website for One Year with Link back to Your Business Website Complimentary Valet Parking Name/Logo displayed on rotating screen during event

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$2,850 - Bone-A-Fide Buddy Table Sponsor : Amenities • • • • •

Save 57 lives Reserved Table for Ten (10 seats) Recognition in Event Program Table Signage Complimentary Valet Parking

Bites & Bubbles Sold Bid Paddles Sold Casino Pull Sold Canine Couture Sold Centerpieces Sold Coat Check Sold Cuddle Corner Sold Dessert Bar Sold E-Blast - Email Marketing Campaigns Sold Event Ticket Sold Find Your Way Home Sponsor: Microchip 235 Animals Fixer Upper Sponsor: Provide 38 Spay/Neuter Surgeries Heal A Heart Sponsor: Provide 17 Heartworm Treatments Mystery Boxes Sold Paw Prints on the Heart Memorial Wall Sold Photography Sponsor Posted Bid Boards Sold Pup-Corn Sponsor: Popcorn Machine in FFR Lobby will have your company Name and Logo displayed for one year on-site Sold READ Sponsor: Reading Education Assistance Dogs aiding in education at-risk children Reservation Check-In Reservation Card Sold Reservation Return Envelope Sold Selfie Station: Branded Selfie Stop SMILES Pet Therapy Program (4 Available): Senior Living Center Engagement with Residents Videography Sponsor

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES $2,000 - Show Dogs : Amenities • • • •

Save 40 lives

$500 or Less - Honorable Mention : Amenities

Four (4) Barkin’ Ball Tickets Recognition in Program Complimentary Valet Parking

• •

Save 10 lives Recognition in Program

Sponsorship Opportunities: • • • •

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• •

Find Your Way Home Sponsor: Microchip 117 Animals Fixer Upper Sponsor: Provide 8 Spay/Neuter Sugeries Heal A Heart Sponsor: Provide 8 Heartworm Treatments Bench: Your company name and or logo will be on a ground stake beside a bench at Fuzzy Friends Rescue. (2 available for one year.) Naming Opportunities: Your Company Name will be displayed at strategic areas at Fuzzy Friends Rescue (10 available for one year.) Picnic Table: Your company name and or logo will be on plaque on a picnic table (3 available for one year.) TV Sponsor: Name and logo featured on lobby presentation featuring adoptable dogs. Sold

$1,500 – Fur-Ever Friend : Amenities

Fuzzy Friends Rescue Kennel Club • •

$500 Dog & Puppy Kennel $300 Cat & Kitten Kennel

By sponsoring a kennel, you are playing a vital role in the everyday care of the animal(s) living in “Your Kennel”. It costs approximately $21.50 each day to care for one animal at Fuzzy Friends Rescue, so your sponsorship will go a long way to help offset the cost of food, medical care, and housing for the animal until it is adopted into a loving and forever home. An engraved plaque will be mounted on the kennel you sponsor, featuring your name, your company name, or a memorial/honorarium of a special person or a beloved pet.

• Save 30 lives • Two (2) Barkin’ Ball Tickets • Recognition in Program • Complimentary Valet Parking

Sponsorship Opportunities: SIGNAGE AT SHELTER

$1,000 – Perfect Pals - Fund the Mission: Amenities • Save 20 lives • Two (2) Barkin’ Ball Tickets • Recognition in Program • Complimentary Valet Parking

Sponsorship Opportunities: • Angel Heart Medical Fund • Humane Education • Pet Intake Sponsorship for City Shelter Animal • Spay/Neuter Fund

READ Program WHAT? DOGS CAN’T READ! Of course they can’t, but they can be great listeners. The animals presence creates an inviting, and motivating environment that is:

• Safe • Fun • Relaxed • Comfortable • Non-judgmental • Empowering

BUT WHY DOGS?

SMILES

Therapy Program

Learning to read is often less about intellectual limitation and more about overcoming fear. “Fear can destroy intelligence,” says educator, William Ayers. Animals are ideal reading companions because they: • Help increase relaxation and lower blood pressure • Listen attentively • Do not judge, laugh, or criticize • Allow children to proceed at their own pace • Are less intimidating than peers When a READ dog is listening, the environment is transformed; a child’s dread is replaced by eager anticipation and learning occurs. Our volunteers are great! They shift the performance pressure off of the child and provide gentle support. In turn, the child gains supervised reading practice which is necessary to build vocabulary, increase understanding of the material, and gain fluency as a reader. Participating children make enormous strides not only in reading and communication skills, but they also are building self-esteem, confidence, and social skills. Performance in other subjects tends to improve, as does attendance and a more positive outlook. To see children, who were once insecure and embarrassed, now excited and wanting to read, makes this program so rewarding!

Upon request, Fuzzy Friends Rescue takes shelter animals to area nursing homes. Many of the residents do not have any other visitors, except for these animals. The love the pets give to the residents is invaluable. They hold them in their laps, petting them. In return the residents receive attention and a quiet love and understanding expressed between both. Many of the nursing home residents make special toys or sweaters for the animals and all seem to try to have a treat for them when they come for a visit. Even the grouchiest resident seems to soften when Fuzzy Friends arrives. Both, it seems, really do understand each other and both are grateful for the love and attention that is given.

OUR FACILITIES & RESCUE

OUR VISION

We try to place these animals in new homes with caring families as soon as possible. Some stay at Fuzzy Friends Rescue only a matter of days or weeks, but OUR MISSION sometimes it takes months of care and rehabilitation Fuzzy Friends Rescue believes that before they are able to go to a new home. In some animals, as living beings, are entitled to a quality life, respect and compassion. Since cases, harder-to-place animals may stay a year or more. Unless they develop an incurable disease or they humans have domesticated animals, we are aggressive, they have a home at Fuzzy Friends have a moral and ethical responsibility to care for the animals that are abandoned or Rescue until they find a permanent, loving home. otherwise in need. We want to instill in our YOUR CHANCE community an awareness of the animals Through the generous hearts and whose world we share, promoting and hands of people like you, we can encouraging responsible pet ownership. ensure that animals who come into the care of Fuzzy Friends Rescue OUR ANIMAL POLICY will not be alone, hungry, sick, Fuzzy Friends Rescue is a non-profit afraid or in pain. 501(C)(3) animal welfare organization that cares for homeless and unwanted You have a chance to make a animals in a no-kill environment. We never euthanize an animal to make room difference in the lives of homeless for another, and we care for all those we pets in need, and help Fuzzy Friends Rescue do what we do take until they are adopted. best…..give second chances. A second chance for every pet.

WE HELP WACO At Fuzzy Friends Rescue, we work hand-in-hand with our community, offering our knowledge and services. From saving the lives of animals, to our wonderful community outreach programs, we are making an impact throughout Central Texas year after year.

HERE ARE JUST SOME OF THE THINGS WE DO TO HELP WACO: • Rescue animals from our city streets and highways. • Provide a clean and safe environment for unwanted, abandoned, and lost pets. • Examine every animal that comes to our rescue to ensure health and safety. • Our Spay/Neuter Program helps to ensure that all animals adopted through Fuzzy Friends Rescue have been spayed or neutered. • Rescued more than 20,000 animals, since incorporating as a non-profit organization in 1997. • Provide micro-chipping services to the community to help reunite lost pets with their owners.

• Provide humane education regarding animal safety and animal welfare to Boy and Girl Scout troops, civic groups, and schools. • Participate in career fairs for local schools regarding the field of animal rescue and animal welfare. • Reading Education Assistance Dogs (READ) help at-risk students at local elementary schools improve their reading skills. • Our SMILES Pet Therapy Program visits area nursing homes to bring joy and comfort to residents. • Work with students at McLennan Community College, Texas State Technical College, and Baylor University on course projects and internship opportunities.

• House animals during natural disasters such a tornados, floods, or fires. • Temporarily house pets for families fleeing domestic violence or for families experiencing a crisis such as homelessness. • Works closely with the City of Waco shelter, helping Waco to maintain it’s NO-KILL status. • In the last 13 years, we have rescued 1278 animals from our Waco Shelter.

VOTED BEST CHARITY EVENT VOTED BEST ANIMAL SHELTER

ABOUT FUZZY FRIENDS RESCUE’S

Rio Carnaval

In 2026, Fuzzy Friends Rescue will bring together two of our most beloved traditions, Barkin’ Ball and Pooches on Parade, into one extraordinary evening that will set a new standard for celebration, compassion, and community impact. On January 23, 2026, Barkin’ Ball | Rio Carnaval will dazzle Waco with all the grandeur and sophistication that has made Barkin’ Ball the city’s most celebrated gala for nearly two decades, while also embracing the color, joy, and heartwarming charm of our signature dog fashion show. For years, Barkin’ Ball has been known as the place where generosity meets elegance, a night where supporters gather to enjoy fine dining, spirited auctions, and top-tier entertainment, all in the name of saving the lives of animals in need. Pooches on Parade, meanwhile, has captured hearts with its playful energy, as beloved rescue dogs strut in delightful themed costumes, reminding us all of the true beneficiaries of our mission. Barkin’ Ball | Rio Carnaval will transport guests into the excitement and spectacle of Rio de Janeiro’s world-famous celebration, where vibrant colors and infectious rhythms set the stage for an unforgettable night. The highlight of the evening will be the beloved Pooches on Parade showcase, reimagined with Carnaval-inspired costumes that will bring smiles, laughter, and perhaps even a few happy tears, as our rescue dogs walk proudly, representing the hope and second chances made possible by our supporters. By combining these events, we are not only creating a unique guest experience but also maximizing the power of every sponsorship and donation, ensuring that more of our resources go directly to saving lives, providing medical care, and offering a safe haven for the animals who depend on us. This is our invitation to you, our sponsors, donors, and friends, to stand at the heart of this moment and help us continue a legacy of saving lives. By supporting this event, you are not just attending a gala, you are stepping into a vibrant movement that ensures every animal has a chance at the love and happiness they deserve.

On behalf of Fuzzy Friends Rescue, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for being a part of our event and for your unwavering support over the past 28 years. Your commitment and generosity have been the cornerstone of our mission to save lives and provide loving homes to countless animals in need. Together, we have created a community that not only rescues and rehabilitates animals but also raises awareness and promotes compassion for all living beings. Each donation, volunteer hour, and act of kindness has contibuted to a legacy of love and hope. Your partnership has enabled us to provide vital medical care, safe shelter, and the promise of a better future for thousands of animals. Thank you for standing with us, for believing in our cause, and for making a real difference. As we look to the future, we are inspired by your dedication and driven by the impact we have made together. Cheers to many more years of saving lives, building families, and fostering a legacy that touches the lives of animals and humans alike. With heartfelt gratitude,

Betsy Robinson Founder “Rescue an animal, change a life - discover the power of compassion in action”

Fuzzy Friends Rescue’s

n Rio Carnaval