2009 Fur Ball Mask-Grrr-Ade a Roaring Success!
We won't have the final counts and figures for a few days, but there were nearly 600 supporters at the 10th annual Fur Ball last night and they all came out in big ways to show their love of the big cats. The live auction may have been our most successful ever, netting $49,520.00. The silent auction room was almost completely emptied by high bidders. There was no cat left behind in the Sponsor a Cat room so every one of the the wild cats at Big Cat Rescue had a sponsor by the end of the night. There was almost never an empty chair at the drumming circle and the band had to tell all of the partiers to "go home" at midnight as the dance floor was still hopping! More details will follow as soon as they come in but at this point it looks like the Fur Ball netted about $90,000 See the first photos of the night at Big Cat Rescue FlickR Photos of guests taken by the tiger statue can be seen at JoePhotoTampa.com, More Than Photographs and Quinn Photo Tampa as well as others.
NEW! Post your own photos and Fur Ball comments here: http://bigcatfurball.blogspot.com
This event was for the rescue of Freckles the liger and her two tiger companions Cookie and Alex after they were abandoned in Mississippi and to enable us to rescue more cats like them. You can see their story HERE.
The rest of the evening will focus entirely on fun with truly gourmet dinner, complimentary wine, enjoying the creativity other guests display in creating their "safari costume formal" attire and the costume contest, being swept away with the beat as you try your hand at the drumming circle, testing your luck at the custom designed big cat casino table and in the raffle to win a fabulous Rolex watch, bidding on great bargains in the silent auction and on exotic international trips and a chance to be one of the first to drive the incredible Jaguar XJ to be released in early 2010, all described in more detail below.
See the Fur Ball Program from the night to see our wonderful sponsors and all of the fun at the event.
Win a Rolex Watch from AvantGold Jewelers: Raffle tickets are $20 each, or the best value is 7 for $100. The drawing will be held at the 2009 Fur Ball, approximately 10:00 PM EST Friday October 9, 2009. You do not need to be present to win. The winner has been notified.
Bid and win auction items on line before the ball: You can bid and win some of the auction items before the Fur Ball.
LIVE AUCTION TRIPS - CHINA, ITALY, AFRICA, GREEK ISLANDS... Check out the International Trips and other unique items that will be offered in our Live Auction HERE
 |
Please join our Mistress of Ceremonies Cynthia Smoot from Fox 13 TV and our celebrity guest Tim Harrison, 2006 Educator of the Year winner, and author of Wildlife Warrior. Elephant Productions, Producer of the Elephant in the Living Room, is donateing a copy of his book for our first 600 guests. Tim stars in the upcoming film directed by Michael Webber called The Elephant in the Living Room. The film is about the controversial world of exotic animal ownership within the suburbs of the United States. "The Elephant in the Living Room" offers an unprecedented glimpse into the fascinating subculture of trading and raising the most deadly and exotic animals in the world as common household pets. See Fox 13 Liger Report |  |
Ball Details
DATE & TIME: Friday, October 9, 2009 6:30PM to Midnight
LOCATION: The fabulous A La Carte Event Pavilion at 4050 Dana Shores Dr. Tampa, FL 33634 off Memorial Highway by Rocky Point Golf Course. For detailed directions and information click HERE.
ATTIRE: We call the unique Fur Ball attire “Safari Costume Formal”. You can come in traditional formal attire, come in safari, cat print or jungle orientation costume, or any mix in between, such as part formal with cat print accessorizing. Be creative and have fun with it! Prizes will be awarded! Use your imagination - get wild! For examples from the past visit www.bigcatrescue.org/FurBallPhotos.htm
ACTIVITES AND CULINARY DELIGHTS:
LIVE AUCTION. Bid on SIX custom created international trips (click HERE for trip and other auction item details) and 30 days in the yet to be introduced Jaguar XJ (click HERE for video) and the option to buy any Jaguar at dealer invoice from Jaguar of Tampa.
- ROLEX RAFFLE. Win an elegant Rolex watch from AvantGold Jewelers.
- GOURMET SEATED DINNER . Dine on a gourmet seated dinner by the wonderful chef at A La Carte. (see menu below).
- COMPLIMENTARY WINE. Provided all evening by Barefoot Winery.
- DRUMMING CIRCLE. Pound away your frustrations at the Drumming Circle with Jana Broder's Drum Magic.
- COSTUME CONTEST. Win a great prize in our Costume Contest
- SILENT AUCTION. Bid for great prizes in our Silent Auction.
- DANCE TO LIVE MUSIC. The lively beat and dazzling stage show of the DeLeon Band will have you rocking and swinging all night. The band has played in Europe, on Regis & Kathy Lee Live, Lifetime Television, Jack Harris Live to name a few.
- WHEEL OF FUR-TUNE CASINO TABLE. Special wheel with our own cat faces custom created by Dan Mar Productions. Win 30 days in the sporty Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible (see image below).
- COMPLIMENTARY BOOK. Our first 600 guests will receive a free copy of Tim Harrison's book "Wildlife Warrior" graciously donated by Elephant Productions, Producer of the Elephant in the Living Room.
- GIFT CERTIFICATE for $50 from Planet Beach Contempo Spa for each guest.
To read about last year's Fur Ball go HERE. To see photos go HERE
Want to receive future details about the 2009 Fur Ball via email? Sign up HERE
For information on sponsorship or if you would like to help by donating a product or service for our auction/sale please contact Jeff Kremer at JKremer@BigCatRescue.org or 813-373-9033.
Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors!
King of Beasts Sponsors
 |
 |
 |
In Kind Sponsors
WINE & CHEESE SPONSORS:
Barefoot Winery has graciously donated all of the wine for the Fur Ball. Complimentary wine flows all night at this party...which is one reason it is so much fun! Just remember: What happens at the Fur Ball stays at the Fur Ball!
Cabot Creamery of Vermont has donated the award winning complimentary cheeses this year.
Vincent and Tampa Cigar Co. are donating cigars for our guests' smoking pleasure out on the waterside deck.
ROLEX RAFFLE BY AVANTGOLD:
Purchase tickets to win this elegant Regal Gents Oyster Perpetual Explorer I Rolex watch with retail price of $5050. Provided by AvantGold Jewelers. 1 ticket for only $20, best deal is 7 tickets for $100.
DECOR SPONSOR:
The exciting animal themed decor is donated by the A La Carte Event Pavilion. Every year guests just can't wait to see what the designers at A La Carte and Jamie Veronica have come up with to excite the senses.
Silk gardens has donated their fine array of silk plants and floral arrangements for the night of the Fur Ball.
Other Media Sponsors
 |
 |
 |
Quinn Photography - Florida Creative Alliance - VERTICAL Tampa Bay Magazine
Play the custom made Cat Wheel of Fur-Tune by DanMar
and win 30 days in a Saab 9-3 Aero convertible from Saab of Tampa
DanMar Productions, the best in the business if you are planning a casino night, has created this custom cat oriented casino table just for the Fur Ball.
The winner spends 30 days in the sporty Saab 9-3 Aero convertible courtesy Saab of Tampa and has the right to purchase any new Saab in stock at dealer invoice. Here are reviews of this fantastic vehicle:
- "It offers a great combination of performance, comfort, and space, and real-world gas mileage that won't break the family piggybank." -- New Car Test Drive
- "The Saab does have unique design, a willing spirit, and an excellent optional all-wheel drive system in its favor." -- Car and Driver
- "Buy the 9-3 Sedan if you want a quick and nimble European sedan with just enough quirkiness to set it apart from the pack. Keep looking if you want larger and/or sportier vehicle." -- Forbes
AND a Week Vacation in Pennsylvania Mountain Resort Condo
Spend a week in Big Cat Rescue's condo at Wolf Run Manor at the beautiful Treasure Lake in Du Bois, PA. Hike 9000 acres of woodlands, swim at the many beaches and pools. Amenities include boating, two PGA rated golf courses, driving range, nature trails, basketball court, sledding, tubing hill, parks, playgrounds and a marina. Week 31 (July 30 - Aug. 6, 2010).
Costume Contest
Our costume scout committee will select 10 contestants to be called to the stage to display their costumes. The winner will be selected by drawing cards and receive a week in Big Cat Rescue's condo at Wolf Run Manor (Week 32 Aug. 6 - Aug. 13, 2010) and a Florida Funpack of gift certificates for food and fun!
Fur Ball Portrait Photography Services provided by Joe Photo Tampa - Matt Nassif Special Event Photographer joephototampa@yahoo.com
Tarot Card Readings by Enchanted Earth - Christine Oliver will be offering complimentary readings for guests. A Tarot card reading can help give you a fresh perspective on life by offering a reflection of the past, present and possible future.
What's For Dinner?
First Course
Watermelon & Heirloom Tomato Salad in a Nest of Greens with Feta Cheese and Champagne Vinaigrette and Homemade Rolls
Second Course
Grilled Coho Salmon Over Double Corn Polenta with Fontana Cheese & Garlic Seared Asparagus Finished with a Warming Chili Butter (the Coho Salmon is Ocean-Friendly)
or
Portabello "Wellington" A Braised Portabello Mushroom Topped with Goat Cheese and Wild Mushroom Pate Enrobed in Puff Pastry with Rainbow Chard, Roasted Garlic Parsnip Potatoes Puree and Mushroom Madeira Wine Reduction
Third Course
Alternating between;
Venetian Dark Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache, Assorted Fresh Berries and a White Chocolate Mask
and
Golden Yellow Cake with Lemon Butter Cream, Fresh Raspberries, Tart Raspberry Sauce and a Dark & White Chocolate Mask
Discounts on Hotel, Cat Attire, Tuxedos, Limos, etc.
You must mention Big Cat Rescue when making your reservation or purchase
Hotel: Mainsail Suites offers some of the most spacious accommodations in the Bay Area right around the corner from A La Carte Pavilion at a discounted rate of only $89/night (regularly up to $129). Contact David Frank at 813-849-4106, dfrank@mainsailhotels.com. www.mainsailhotels.com.
Attire: La France in Ybor City usually has a selection of fun cat print attire and offers a 20% discount if you mention Big Cat Rescue. (813) 248-1381. 1612 E 7TH Ave Tampa, FL 33605. www.myspace.com/lafrance74
Attire: Kings Court Gowns in Bartow, FL will donate 10% of each purchase made for the 2009 Fur Ball to Big Cat Rescue. They care 250 gowns in stock sizes 2-14, but can also custom make any gown in any size. They also offer a gown registry that guarantees that no two Fur Ball guests will have the same gown. Check out their website at www.kingscourtgowns.com for more information and to view all the gowns in stock. (863) 667-8456 sales@kingscourtgowns.com
Limo: All Star limousine service has offered a 10% discount to transport partiers to the Fur Ball in style To take advantage of this offer, please mention the Fur Ball when making your reservation. Call 800-345-6614 for reservations. http://www.allstarlimousine.net/main.htm
Tuxedo: Men's Wearhouse is offering $30 off every tuxedo rental package exclusively for the Fur Ball. Prices start as low as $49.99 on select styles. Simply reference group # 2348811 when placing a reservation in any Florida location. There is a store across from the sanctuary entrance in Citrus Park, phone 813-792-0287. www.menswearhouse.com
Big Cat Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The sanctuary provides a permanent home for unwanted, abused and neglected exotic cats. Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Bobcats and more reside at the 45 acre Citrus Park refuge located just across the street from the Westfield Shopping Town. The Fur Ball is an annual event to raise funds for the close to 100+ cats in our care.