2010 FUR BALL TO CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE TIGER
The year 2010 is the Year of the Tiger and Big Cat Rescue is celebrating in a big way with the 11th annual Fur Ball on Friday October 8th, 2010. Join Big Cat Rescuers for an evening of wild fun and a feast fit for a king (of the jungle that is).
Proceeds from the Fur Ball will fund both the ongoing care of more than 100 big cats that reside at the 45-acre sanctuary in Tampa, FL as well as the tiger conservation efforts of the International Tiger Coalition.
Get your tickets now!
Individual Tickets: CLICK HERE
VIP Table for 10: CLICK HERE
Read on for de-tails.
LIVE AUCTION TRIPS – ISLE OF CAPRI & MONACO... Check out the International Trips and other unique items that will be offered in our Live Auction HERE
BALL DETAILS
DATE & TIME: Friday, October 8th, 2010 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”. This includes traditional formal attire, big cat prints, safari or jungle themed costume, or any mix in between, such as part formal with cat print accessorizing. Being the Year of the Tiger, tiger striped attire would be a natural fit. Be creative and have fun with it! Prizes will be awarded! Let your imagination run wild! For examples from the past visit:
www.bigcatrescue.org/FurBallPhotos.htm
ACTIVITES AND CULINARY DELIGHTS:
Our Host will be ABC News Anchor Sarina Fazin
LIVE AUCTION TRIPS – ISLE OF CAPRI & MONACO... Check out all 6 International Trips and other unique items that will be offered in our Live Auction HERE
- GOURMET SEATED DINNER Dine on a gourmet seated dinner by the wonderful chef at A La Carte. (menu below).
- 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. Great prize to be announced soon.
Mouth-watering Menu:
Salad: Grilled & Chilled Zucchini salad with Roasted Red Pepper over Mixed Greens with Crumbled Feta Cheese & Cilantro Vinaigrette
Entrees: Ginger & Honey Soy Roasted Salmon atop a Fresh Autumn Slaw consisting of Apples, Jicama, Red & White Cabbage, Mandarin Orange & Red Onion. Finished with Ginger Honey Butter
or
Roasted Red Pepper and White Bean Cake over Garlic Pan Seared Spinach with Fresh Lemon and Smoked Tomato SalsaDessert: Chocolate Orange Swirl Cake with Chocolate Genache and Mandarin Oranges
To read about last year's Fur Ball go HERE. To see photos go HERE
Want to receive future details about the 2010 Fur Ball via email? Sign up HERE
For information on event sponsorship, including corporate and meida, please contact Jeff Kremer at JKremer@bigcatrescue.org or 813-373-9033.
If you would like to donate an item for the silent auction, décor for the event, centerpieces for 60 guest tables, or any other goods or service please contactJamie Veronica at Jamie.Veronica@bigcatrescue.org
Tampa, Fl.- Big Cat Rescue is pleased to announce that Ms. Donna Vivino, who plays Elphaba, lead character in the in the First National Tour of Wicked (The Emerald City Company) has been selected as recipient of the sanctuary’s 2010 “Guardian Angel” award.
Donna will be the guest of honor at the sanctuary’s Annual Fur Ball Gala on Friday, October 8th at the A La Carte Pavilion in Tampa to accept her award.
Ms. Vivino was selected to receive the sanctuary’s prestigious award in recognition of her advocation for animal and human welfare causes around the world. Read more about Donna Vivino and see a video of the cast of Wicked's visit to Big Cat Rescue.
You Can Bid on These Great Trips
South Pacific Paradise: There is no place more exotic and more exciting than Bora Bora! This fantasy island whose name evokes a wonderful state of mind, seduces honeymooners, romantics, adventurers, and vacationers looking for the complete escape. Your perfect retreat offers remote tranquility only dreamt of in today’s frantic world. There, our lucky couple will relax in an oasis of tropical gardens with swaying coconut palms and the sounds of the ocean waves rolling ashore. Wade, swim, snorkel or scuba in the gorgeous tropical lagoon where romance and tropical flowers bloom and dreams come true. Walk the beach at night, with more stars than you have ever seen and feel the velvety soft, crystal clear waters of the South Pacific wash among your toes. This exotic seven day/six night trip for two includes your deluxe bungalow style accommodations, round-trip air and the promise of lasting memories of romance and love to be shared through all your years together.
Your Own “Out of Africa” Experience: Explore one of the last unspoiled places in the world. You begin with your flight to Nairobi, then move on to your tree-top resort nestled in the Aberdees Mountains. Watch as the local game comes to the flood-lit watering holes just feet from your balcony. Next you’ll travel to the Great Rift Valley and onto the shores of Lake Nakuru and its one million pink flamingos. Here you will be staying at the famous Lake Nakuru Lodge, and taking part in game drives with a highly experienced tracker that will get you up close to the animals from the safety of your safari Land Rover. Then it’s on to the Masai Mara Reserve in the heart of the Serengeti Plains. Your base here will be the historic Mara Simba Lodge, near the home of the Black-Maned Lions. Game drives from here will take you to the homes of lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, gazelles and more. Finally, you’ll stop at Karen Von Blixen’s house where you will help feed the gentle baby giraffes and orphaned baby elephants. On this trip there’s a new unimaginable adventure around every corner. Seven incredible days in Kenya for two, complete with thousands of pictures and a million memories. We provide round-trip air, deluxe accommodations, all meals, all guides and game drives. It’s your assignment to bring back the memories…and share them with us upon your return!
Sailing and Sun in Europe’s Secret Vacation Spot: To get the attention of Europe's beautiful people, all you have to do is whisper one word…"Mallorca". This gorgeous Mediterranean island, off the southern coast of Spain has long been the playground for Europe's elite. The enchanted island of Mallorca is Europe's highest regarded cosmopolitan vacation paradise and the night life is like nowhere else in the world. With soft, pure-white, perfect sand beaches and the gentle Mediterranean lapping at your toes, it doesn't get any better than this. Our winning couple will spend four nights in their chic Mallorca accommodations before boarding their sailing yacht for the adventure of a lifetime. The two of you will sail the Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Minorca and Ibiza in the lap of luxury on a yacht equipped with your very own captain, first mate and personal chef who will prepare delicious Mediterranean meals especially for you each day. Includes round-trip air for two, four nights lavish accommodations in Mallorca, three spectacular nights aboard your sailing yacht, and all the relaxation and excitement you can pack into your week discovering the best of the Mediterranean.
The Need for Speed: Gentleman, and ladies, start your engines! Our couple will begin their adventure by jetting to France for your stay in beautiful Monte Carlo. Known around the world as the ultimate playground to the stars, the winding streets, spectacular mountain views and scenic coastline, will take your breath away. At night, you will enjoy incredible dinners at cozy restaurants on the shore of the gorgeous Mediterranean where the “glitterati” seem to be at every other table. After dinner, what could be better than sipping on wine while trying your luck at the most famous Casino in the world, Casino Royale. During your stay in Monaco, the two of you will enjoy the sound and fury of the greatest race in the world, the 2011 Grand Prix. Your dream race package includes 5 nights deluxe accommodations in your 4 star resort in Monaco, your up-close grandstand tickets to catch all of the racing excitement as well as your driver meet and greet passes and memories to last you a lifetime!
4-Star Isle of Capri: Since the time of Caesar, the magical Isle of Capri has been an incredible Italian vacationers’ destination. Off the Amalfi Coast, Capri f
eatures ancient summer palaces of the Roman Emperors, fascinating grottoes filled with water that glows a radiant sapphire blue, historical ruins, and beautiful private coves nestled against the Mediterranean Sea. Repeat visitors say even the air and water seem “soft and delicious” here. No wristwatches needed, everything is ready when you want it, including the fabulous designer shopping in Capri. Enjoy seven days and six nights in your spectacular Cliffside resort overlooking the Mediterranean, complete with its own private beach. This trip for two includes round-trip air, a mini-cruise to Sorrento, Positano and the Amalfi Coast where bougainvillea can grow to cover the hillside, and memories to last a lifetime!
2009's event details are below
Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors!
King of Beasts Sponsors
In Kind Sponsors
FOOD 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.

Standard Coffee Company will be serving as our coffee/tea sponsor. Call Rhett at (727-643-9314)
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
VERTICAL Tampa Bay Magazine
Play the custom made Cat Wheel of Fur-Tune by DanMar
and win a prize
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 gets a great prize.
Last year's prize: 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
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 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.
Discounts on Hotel, Cat Attire, Tuxedos, 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 $99/night (regularly up to $129). 813-243-2600. 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
Tuxedo: Men's Wearhouse is offering tuxedo rental packages starting as low as $39.99 on select styles. Simply reference group # 2759170 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.
















