Charleston, South Carolina — After more than two decades of elegance, generosity, and lifesaving influence, Pet Helpers has announced that this year’s 21st Annual Fur Ball Gala will be the last of its most acclaimed fundraising event. The gala is scheduled for Friday, October 10 at the Hotel Bennett.
For years, the Fur Ball Gala has been a staple of the Lowcountry social calendar, recently named Favorite Lowcountry Event and Favorite Fundraiser. The event brings together animal lovers for an evening of cocktails, food, auctions, and community spirit, all while generating critical funding for thousands of animals.
Pet Helpers stated that the decision to withdraw the gala was based on input from supporters.
“Our supporters have told us time and again that while they love the Fur Ball Gala, they also want more opportunities to engage in ways that are family-friendly, casual and easier to access,” the executive director, Melissa Susko, said. “We also know that, with financial demands on families and growing costs overall, individuals are seeking for new ways to support the causes they care about. We want to meet our community where they are, because our aim has always been to celebrate the people and pets that make Charleston unique.”
Large-scale galas are expensive and time-consuming to organize, and Pet Helpers believes that shifting to community-driven events will allow more money to go directly to animal rescue. Future events will feature music-filled afternoons, pet-friendly days, fitness challenges, and innovative fundraisers that will provide more opportunity for supporters to engage.
“Animal welfare donations are often the first to decrease when households feel financial strain,” according to Susko. “By hosting fun, accessible fundraising events throughout the year, we can ensure that everyone has an opportunity to contribute to the solution.” “After all, we are all in this together.”
This year’s Fur Ball, titled “Once Upon a Rescue,” promises a magical evening complete with unique cocktails, live music, a gourmet supper, and entertainment. Guests will enjoy live and silent auctions, a “trip of a lifetime” raffle, and the company of other animal lovers working together for a cause.
Pet Helpers stated that it intends to end this chapter with a celebration worthy of the gala’s history, while beginning a new one with possibilities for everyone to participate.
