Project Pet hosts the 1st Annual Fur Ball- Moonlight Gala
Contributed by Project Pet

The Stray Cat Dancers perform at the Fur Ball- Moonlight Gala

There was excitement in the air for the Midlands homeless pets that need a second chance at life. An elegant new event, The Fur Ball- Moonlight Gala, was held by Project Pet Saturday, October 13, 2007, at the Columbia Convention Centre with over 600 of Columbia's most devoted animal lovers in attendance. The proceeds from the fundraiser will assist Project Pet in building a regional adoption and outreach center and support ongoing lifesaving efforts.

As guests registered for fun and an exciting evening, they were greeted by S.C.'s beauty queens. There were "cats and dogs" prowling throughout the evening. The theatrical characters reminded us of the real reason for the event which was to save homeless pets that end up in local shelters.

Project Pet is dedicated to eliminating the pet overpopulation issue in the Midlands through partnerships with local shelters as well as an aggressive spay/neuter campaign focused on serving low- income pet owners.

Currently, Project Pet adopts 745 pets annually. Since its inception in 1999, more than 4,500 homeless dogs and cats have been given a second chance.

The ice sculture at the Fur Ball Moonlight Gala

As guests entered the ball room, there was a beautiful ice sculpture of a dog and cat dancing. There was delicious food with adult beverage stations throughout the ball room. There was a martini bar as well as a champagne bar. With over 600 guests who were dressed to the nines (or canines!), entertainment by Bob Knox and the Blue Serenade Orchestra provided for lively dancing throughout the night.

Over 150 items donated for a silent and live auction, folks bid on everything from a custom- designed necklace by Jarrett and Hart Goldsmiths to a Waverunner, as well as exciting trips both in the U.S. and abroad. Local artist Blue Sky donated a piece of art " Ivory in Moonlight" valued at $13,800.

Fur Ball co- chair, Jan Jernigan, was delighted to announce, "Our community is filled with dedicated animal lovers who want to make a difference in the lives of our four- legged friends."

Ben and Juanita Wright

All proceeds will be used to help Project Pet save additional lives. Over 19,000 dogs and cats die in our local shelters every year.

Animal lovers should plan to attend next year's Fur Ball. For more information about Project Pet, please call 803 407-0991 or visit www.projectpet.com.

Bryan and Celeste Springer with Cyrus Frakes, co- chairman of the Fur Ball Daniel Seamans and Shanai Harris from ABC Columbia emcee the Fur Ball. Miss Lake Murray,Miss Aiken, and Jan Jernigan, Fur Ball chairperson