Event a major fundraiser for humane society
It is a few months later than usual, but the Butler County Humane Society's ever-popular Fur Ball will return for its 14th year this month at the Butler Country Club on July 24.
The Fur Ball, typically conducted on the last Saturday in April, is the humane society's largest fundraising event of the year.
After losing several events to the pandemic, including last year's Fur Ball, the humane society is excited about the event's return.
“We feel great about it,” said Ann Baglier, secretary of the humane society's board of directors. “We were worried moving it to late July would impact the Fur Ball, but it really hasn't.”
Baglier said attendance for this year's event will be capped at 225. The organization already has more than 200 people registered.
Held at the country club, the Fur Ball features cocktail attire and a silent auction, a basket auction, dinner, dancing and a cocktail reception.
Some items featured in this year's auction include a signed Jack Ham Pittsburgh Steelers jersey and football, a signed Kris Letang Penguins jersey, Steelers tickets, and a round of golf and cart rental at the Butler Country Club, among others. Baglier is confident there will be something for everyone.
Volunteers also bring some of the animals from the humane society over to the Fur ball, so people can meet them and, potentially, pick one out for adoption.
This year's honorees are the staff and volunteers of the humane society.
“Those people showed up every single day throughout the lockdown,” Baglier said. “The bottom line is, we have living creatures out there that need to be fed, walked, cleaned and attended to. It's not a glamorous job in any way.”
The Butler County Humane Society is entirely donation-driven and depends on events such as the Fur Ball to raise money.
Baglier, who has been with the society for 34 years, said through her first 20 years with the organization, its largest fundraiser was about $8,000. In the 14 years the organization has hosted the Fur Ball, however, it routinely raises between $50,000 and $60,000.
“We had 120 people the first year, and it has just grown exponentially since then,” Baglier said. “Animal people are special.”
Like many local businesses, the humane society is struggling with staffing as the pandemic eases.
Director of Development Michelle Edinger said the society's staff is stretched thin, trying to handle all the responsibilities.
“We are short-staffed; we've had a hard time getting employees,” Edinger said. “That doesn't effect the animals, though. Care for the animals is our No. 1 priority, so that always gets taken care of.”
The society is looking for both volunteers and employees. Information and applications can be found on its website at butlercountyhs.org/volunteer.
