A Barking Good Time: The 2020 Forsyth Humane Society Furr Ball
BY TARYN JEREZ
Register at https://one.bidpal.net/furrball2020/welcome
It’s not every day you get to attend a ball with your pets by your side!
Whether you decide to dust off your finest formal wear or don your most comfy sweatpants, the Forsyth Humane Society invites you to join them virtually for the 2020 Furr Ball! This year’s event is on Friday, October 16th, from 7:30-8:30 pm EST and will be live on both Facebook and YouTube. It’s easier than ever to attend with your fellow animal lover friends no matter where they are located, and there is no ticket fee to join the fun and help make an impact!
More About The Mission
The Forsyth Humane Society is committed to increasing the save rate of sheltered cats and dogs in the community with the goal of increasing to 90% by 2023. In 2018 they began partnering with Forsyth County Animal Services to save more animals, and that’s exactly what the Furr Ball continues to help them achieve. In 2017 the save rate was 36% and due to the help of so many amazing workers, volunteers and donors, they have more than doubled the save rate in 2020 to 78%! Many in the community may be surprised to know that the organization is contracted with Forsyth County as an “open admissions shelter” which means they don’t turn any cat or dog away. They care for over 6,200 animals per year; that’s an average of 18 animals coming into shelter per day!
Helping Animals in Forsyth County in New Ways
In the wake of COVID-19, many businesses and organizations have had to change the way they run their daily operations. During the pandemic, there has actually been an increase in community members looking for nurturing opportunities for themselves, and many are fostering or adopting shelter pets. With an abundance of passion and innovation, the Forsyth Humane Society team has been able to stay open six days a week to fulfill these needs, “which is critical during COVIDand our unknown future,” says Sarah Williamson, Executive Director. “The goal in this season is staying open, sustaining our mission, and keeping people safe, and the Furr Ball will help us continue to achieve this!”
“Furever” Homes for Pets in a Pandemic
Something many people are surprised to learn is the addition of curbside adoption appointments being offered during this time. After looking at the Forsyth Humane Society website to check out its newest rescues, you can schedule an appointment and get ready to meet your new fur baby social distancing style! The staff can even help narrow choices down, have all your paperwork prepped, and keep everyone safe and healthy! Sarah also shared that, due to health and safety restrictions, they are working through this increased need with just their full-time staff and are missing their volunteers greatly and look forward to having them back after COVID.
What You Can Expect at This Year’s Furr Ball
Surely hosting an annual black-tie event virtually has to come with a few changes, right? This year’s event may be more relaxed than previous years, but it will have no less creativity and fun for its attendees. Keeping things short and sweet, the one hour long virtual Furr Ball will include a lively Emcee running the event, a surplus viewing of cute puppies and kittens, a surprise celebrity guest appearance, and some great prizes. They will be raffling off a Penny Preville 18K white gold emerald shape diamond necklace valued at $5,000 and generously donated by Schiffman’s Jewelry for $50 a raffle ticket. (The drawing will be held live at the event!) There will even be a chance to win the opportunity to name a litter of kittens or puppies!
How You Can Make a Difference
Of course, attending the 2020 Furr Ball is the perfect way to show your support and help make an impact on the animals of Forsyth County! This year’s financial goal is to raise $180,000 to help continue to save lives and keep the Forsyth Humane Society doors open while continuing curbside outreach. Another great way to make an impact is to snap a fun selfie of you and your rescue pets, tag #savefursyth, and share on social media! You can also check out the Wishlist on the Forsyth Humane Society website for donation item ideas or head onto the Facebook page and help promote animals up for adoption by reposting! “The more eyes these animals get on them, the better,” said Sarah.
Michael and Mardene Morykwas, who passed away in 2011, created and hosted Furr Ball to benefit the Forsyth Humane Society. Today it is the Forsyth Humane Society’s major fundraising event and they look forward to seeing some new faces (both human and animal) at this year’s event!
Furr Ball is underwritten by Christine & Michael Morykwas and presented by Bob King Automotive Group. Honorary Chairs are Mrs. Natalie Broyhill and Mr. Penn Broyhill, and Furr Ball is chaired this year by Ms. Christy Cox Spencer and Mrs. Jennie Hess.
Join the fun and change some incredible animals’ lives from the comfort of your living room this year!
Register at https://one.bidpal.net/furrball2020/welcome
