The fourth annual Fur Ball has Grammy Award-winning artist Taylor Swift’s stamp of approval.
A Fender guitar autographed by the country music singer will be one of the items auctioned at the black-tie-optional event, which will be from 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the Sloan Convention Center. Tickets are $65.
Tickets are going fast, though - only 15 are left, said Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society Director Lorri Hare.
“We were sold out, but we were able to add two more tables,” she said.
Those who want to bid on the guitar if tickets are sold out shouldn’t despair. Organizers are making an exception to the rule that people must be at the ball to bid for this one-of-a-kind item.
“They can call the shelter, and we’ll put them in touch with someone who can bid for them,” she said. “Even if they’re not able to come, they can still have a chance to bid on the guitar.”
The evening will include a cash bar, live and silent auctions, dancing and music by Louisville band The Monarchs. Other auction items include jewelry, a television, a stay at a five-star hotel in Branson, Mo., a painting of your pet by local artist Misha Ambrosia, the chance to be the Humane Society mascot on its logo and more. Proceeds benefit the Hildreth Adoption Center, a no-kill shelter that provides a safe environment for homeless animals in Bowling Green and Warren County.
“There are men in (everything from) khakis to tuxedos and women in (everything from) slacks to formals,” Hare said. “They’re all there because they love animals. Every dollar they spend helps save a life. It’s a fun night.”
Last year’s Fur Ball raised $65,000, but that’s only part of the $10,000 to $12,000 a month it takes to keep the adoption center - run solely by donations - going. Running the Humane Society takes an additional $12,000 to $15,000 on top of what it receives from the city and county, Hare said.
“We’ve got to keep the doors open. Taking care of this many animals is expensive,” she said. “Luckily we a have great community and support group that helps us. If it wasn’t for the community, we wouldn’t be able to do it.”
Adoptions and donations slow down in winter, making the need for the Fur Ball even more important, Hare said.
“We depend on these big events to get us through those difficult months and give us a little cushion,” she said.
Right now, the shelter is extremely full, Hare said. She urges everyone to spay and neuter their pets.
“This winter has been odd. Intakes have been really, really high all winter, and that tends to be when we get a break,” she said. “It’s scary to think what spring is going to be. We encourage everyone who needs to get (spaying/neutering) done to come see us.”
— For more information, call the Humane Society at 783-9404.

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