2004 Fur Ball Results Page:
For details on 2005 Fur Ball Click Here
To see if we caught you on film, check out the Fur Ball Photos.
The 2004 Fur Ball made a net income of $40,465.00
thanks to your support!!!
It was a roaring success! We sold out at 850 tickets!
The hardest offer to turn down was a man who called after we quit selling tickets and said, “I will pay ANYTHING you ask, but I have to have two tickets to THIS event!” I had to turn him down and explain that we had promised a great time to all of the people who had already bought tickets and didn't want to have them waiting in lines or feeling too crowded because we kept selling tickets after we ran out of tables.
From beginning to end it was a grrrreat event. Tampa Bay Valet kindly donated valet parking services for all of the guests. It was after midnight before we could get the last of the guests off the dance floor and the place had been rocking all night to the Urban Gypsies and the high spirited limbo and conga lines.
The live auction items all brought more than their minimums and in some cases a LOT more. The 300 pieces in the silent auction were mostly sold by the end of the evening and one person, when asked by Cathy to “round up” her sales slip did so by rounding up 360.00 to make it an even $2000.00.
The reports I heard so far from guests were:
Rob Elder from Jaguar of Tampa said, “This could be the most important social event of the year! We are going to come every year” He and his fiancée were there despite being in early labour with their first child.
Jay O'Conner of Cox Radio said, “It's going to fill the Raymond James stadium next year at this rate! This is such an important cause to my heart.”
Rich and Deborah Boensch (who donated $10,000.00 a couple years ago) were impressed with the sponsors who had joined our efforts this year.
Things that I heard over and over from countless people were:
“You guys really know how to throw a party!”
“We can't believe how fast you have grown! Charities don't triple their events from year to year!”
“This was all pulled off so seamlessly! It appeared flawless!”
“This is so much fun! I am crying at the stories of the cats, but just can't stop dancing!” (The cats stories and photos rotated all night on a 12 foot, 6 foot and 2 foot screen in different rooms)
“Do you actually KNOW all of these people?”
“The problem with an event this spectacular is; what will you do to top it next year?!”
All of the major media were there snapping photos of all the great outfits and hastily jotting down names and affiliations for the revues that will be coming out this week.
Again, I want to thank all of you who attended, those who participated by working or donating to the event and those of you in far away places that prayed constantly to save us from 3 hurricanes in a row that all threatened to cause us to have to cancel. It was a fabulous night and the cats are going to be the happy beneficiaries! More later.
The auction items and their selling prices are now online HERE. See if we caught you on film on these Party Photo pages: Fur Ball Photos 1 and Fur Ball Photos 2.
Big Cat Rescue partnered with the Outdoor Arts Foundation to organize a group of 15 Tampa Bay Area artists to create original works of art inspired by the cats at our facility. The art was auctioned at the ball to benefit both Big Cat Rescue and the Outdoor Arts Foundation. Judging was done by the guests at the ball who, as one would expect in this election season, cast ballots to select the winner (but with no hanging chads!).
Our deepest thanks to each of these wonderful artists who devoted their time and talent to help the cats: Sally Evans, Peggy Matthes, Kari McCullough, Brandee Monarch, Lenne Nicklaus-Ball, Dr. Gordon Lovett, P$ynner, Terry Pepitone, Brian Slater, Joanna Switzer, Dawn Vetsch, Lisa Vogt, Anita Wexler and Sandra Williams.
And our hearty congratulations to the winner, Lisa Vogt of Originals in Glass on Kennedy Blvd. , whose spectacular 18” x 28” glass work named “Shere Power” was based on our largest tiger, Shere Khan. The piece, pictured below, will be made into a 24x36” poster that will be available in the Big Cat Rescue gift shop and in the online gift shop soon.
Tickets sold out despite the threat of 3 hurricanes in a row!
The call to action was:
Cough it up, it's fur a good cause!
The
Fur Ball 2004
Come step into something fun!
5TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING
DINNER & AUCTION
September 17th, 2004 7:30PM - 12:00 AM
Big Cat Rescue is a non-profit organization founded in 1992
to provide a permanent home for unwanted, abused and neglected exotic cats.
Lions, Tigers, Leopards, Bobcats and more reside at the 42 acre Citrus Park refuge located just across the street from the Westfield Shopping Town.
The Fur Ball is an annual event to raise donations for the care of the more than 150 wild cats that have been rescued.
If you missed the 2004 Fur Ball, you missed the most fun you could have had at a Fundraiser Gala!
This year 850 guests had the wildest night of the year! Already people are booking tables for next year because they don't want to miss out on the fun.
We had dancing to live music by the wonderful Urban Gypsies, who play such a wide variety of tropical, jazzy new music that guests from a huge cross section of ages and backgrounds loved it. The fantastic food by A La Carte was better this year even than last and that was a hard act to follow. Great wines were donated by Woodbridge Winery and Papio Wines and available free to the guests all night. Guest lined up to join the wild bongo drum circle lead by Jana Broder and some were doing their own impromtu belly dancing in the middle of the circle. Prince Rupert's fire eating act was just amazing and guests joining the conga and limbo dancing. Two huge circles of dancing patrons converged on the limbo line in the center of the stage and then swept out across the entire room back into two jumping conga lines. The fun even started before the event when everyone was designing their Safari Costume Formal outfits and then seeing how everyone else dresses!
Dress: Safari Costume Formal -Anything from pure costume safari, cat prints, or in any other way jungle
related to pure formal, or any mix, cat accessorizing or combination in
between. Be creative and have fun with it! Prizes will be awarded! At right, Denny Mitchell and Howie Baskin illustrate what we mean by "Safari Costume Formal" For more examples of attire from last year click on the photos above to see larger versions.
Every 20 minutes someone won a grrreat door prize!!! So as not to break up the party with announcements these were all just announced at one time.
DETAILS
Location: The fabulous A La Carte Event Pavilion off Memorial Highway by Rocky Point Golf Course. For detailed directions and information, click here or on photo below of the Pavilion.
This menu was served at three double tabled stations:
Blue Corn Enchiladas with Table Cloth Stainer Sauce
Sweet Fried Plantains with Almonds and Honey Orange Sauce
Pan Seared Polenta Cakes with Tomato, Eggplant, Mozzerella with Tomato, Papaya Citrus Butter
Spinach Phyllo Pastries
Tuscan Style Tomatoe and Basil Caponata with Roasted Garlic Crostini
Layered Vegetable Tian with Lemon Sabayon
Exotic Tropical Fruit Display with White Chocolate Dipping Sauce
Angel Hair Pasta Flans with Sun Dried Tomatoes, Feta, Pine Nuts, Basil and Roasted Garlic Tomato Cream Sauce
Chocolate Banana Crepes Dark Rum, Vanilla Ice Cream, Whip Cream and Toasted Almonds
Gourmet Coffee Station
Cash Bars: Mixed drinks and beer were available at six stations.
Wine Stations: Wine was generously donated by two wonderful wineries. Woodbridge Winery donated their Woodbridge Select Vineyard Series Ghost Oak Chardonnay and Red Dirt Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon. Papio Wines, who support primate preservation through contributions to the African Wildlife Fund, donated their recently introduced Chardonnay and Merlot wines.
SAFARI ITINERARY:
7:30 PM - 8 PM Doors open, registration and cocktails
7:30 - 11 PM Live music by Urban Gypsies
7:30 PM - 9 PM Silent Auction and Dinner (buffet style)
8:30 - 8:45 PM Welcome from Founder and brief awards
8:45 - 9 PM Last 15 minutes to get your silent auction bids in
9:00 - 9:30 Live Auction with auctioneer Maurice Raybon
9:30 - 10 PM Desserts and Comedian Happy Cole
10 PM Silent Auction check out open, Grand Prize Winner Announcement
10 PM - 10:30 Prince Rupert Amazes us with a fire eating act and guests join the conga and limbo dancing
10:30 - 11:30 More dancing with the Urban Gypsies and Simone who got everyone out on the floor to Salsa!
All Night guests were drumming with Jana Broder from The Comfort Shoppe or learning to Salsa with Simone.
The Grand Prize Raffle winner won a cruise for two in an outside cabin on the Carnival Cruise Ship, Inspiration leaving from Tampa for a 5 Day 
Western Caribbean Itinerary. It will stop in Grand Cayman Island and Cozumel Mexico along with Belize - a country known for its lush tropical vegetation and
breathtaking rainforests - and Costa Maya, Mexico, which offers countless
restaurants, shopping and watersports. Only 1200 tickets were offered to increase your chance of winning. VIP ticket holders were automatically entered once.
SPONSORS
Many thanks to our generous sponsors. Please consider thanking them with your patronage.
King of Beasts Sponsor
Jaguar of Tampa 320 East Fletcher Avenue Tampa, Florida 33612 813 371-8200 Fax: 813 371-8199 http://www.jaguaroftampa.com
King of the Jungle Sponsor (exclusive - only 1 available) $20,000
Benefits:
• Two tables for ten (one at stage) at Fur Ball with prominent table signage.
• Mention in media promotions, including 90 one minute radio spots.
• Continuous side-of-stage projection of company logo.
• Verbal recognition by Founder during awards and appreciation presentation.
• Company banner displayed at event.
• Company logo printed on event invitations.
• Company logo printed on event tickets.
• Only Corporate Sponsor with logo on Cover of event Program Guide along with Media Sponsors.
• Two page spread in event Program Guide.
• Largest company logo in top position on sponsorship signage at event.
• Only Corporate Sponsor on Front Page of Big Cat Rescue website (website averages over 500,000 page requests per month).
• Largest logo recognition on Fur Ball page on Big Cat Rescue website.
• Largest logo recognition in quarterly newsletter mailed to 30,000 supporters.
• Private tour of Big Cat Rescue with Founder.
• Free Big Cat Rescue tour passes for both tables.
Media Sponsors:
Hundreds of live and recorded radio spots valued at over $100,000 have been donated to promote this year's Fur Ball by these Cox Radio stations:
Magic 94.9 FM Soft and Contemporary
97x - Tampa Bay's New Rock Alternative
107.3 The Eagle - Tampa Bay's Classic Hits Station
Leopard Level Sponsors
Bailey Banks & Biddle International Plaza, Tampa FL 33602 813 353-3620 http://www.bbbjewelers.com
Two fine wineries have donated "fruit of the vine" valued at over $5000 to tantalize the palates of our guests in support of the cats:
Woodbridge Winery has donated their Woodbridge Select Vineyard Series Ghost Oak Chardonnay and Red Dirt Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon.
Click HERE for more information about Woodbridge wines.
Papio Wines, who support primate preservation through contributions to the African Wildlife Fund, has donated their recently introduced Chardonnay and Merlot wines.
Click HERE for more information about Papio wines.
The Dutcher Group 5401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 1000 Tampa, FL 33609 813 287-2501 Fax: 813 282-1875 http://www.dutchergroup.com
Leopard Level (only 4 available) $5,000
Benefits:
• One table for ten near stage at Fur Ball with prominent table signage.
• One of only four company logos in rotating side-of-stage projection.
• Verbal recognition by Founder during awards and appreciation presentation.
• Full page ad in event Program Guide.
• Large company logo on sponsorship signage at event.
• Large logo recognition on Fur Ball page on Big Cat Rescue website.
• Large logo recognition in quarterly newsletter mailed to 30,000 supporters.
• Private tour of Big Cat Rescue with Founder.
• Free Big Cat Rescue tour passes for entire table.
Cougar Level Sponsors
Regions Bank Tampa, FL
Shumaker Loop & Kendrick LLP 101 E Kennedy Blvd Tampa, FL 33602
813 229-7600 http://www.slk_law.verizonsupersite.com
The Genesis Group 3910 N US 301 Suite 140
Tampa, FL 33619 813 620-4500 http://www.GenesisGroup.com
POSabilities
12440 73rd Court N
Largo, FL 33773
727 524-0767
http://www.posabilities.com
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has generously donated Four Nights in their Safari Camp that includes full board and game drives for two people. Lewa Downs Private Bag ISIOLO, Kenya TEL/FAX: (+254-164) 31405 E-MAIL info@lewa.org www.lewa.org
TicketMaster
Cougar Level $2,000
Benefits:
• One table for ten at Fur Ball with prominent table signage.
• Half page ad in event Program Guide.
• Company logo on sponsorship signage at event.
• Company logo recognition on Fur Ball page on Big Cat Rescue website.
• Company logo recognition in quarterly newsletter mailed to 30,000 supporters.
• Private tour of Big Cat Rescue.
• Free Big Cat Rescue tour passes for entire table.
Lynx Level Sponsors
St. Peterburg Times
Charles Schwab & Co.
Lynx Level $1,000
Benefits:
• One table for ten at Fur Ball with prominent table signage.
• Quarter page ad in event Program Guide.
• Company name listing on sponsorship signage at event.
• Company name listing on Fur Ball page on Big Cat Rescue website.
• Company name listing in quarterly newsletter mailed to 30,000 supporters.
• Free Big Cat Rescue tour passes for entire table.
Facility & Other Sponsors
The A La Carte Event Pavilion 4050 Dana Shores Drive Tampa, Florida 33634 Ph: 813 831-5390 Fax: 813 835-5024 http://www.alacarteeventpavilion.com
Chapel Photography donated their services to photograph the entire event. ChapelPhotography@att.net
You can hear the Public Service Announcement
again by playing the button to the right: >
Live Auction Donors over $1000
Lion Sculpture - Sovereign Reign Artist: Lorenzo Ghiglieri Dimensions: 21" x 37" x 12" Wgt: 76 lbs bronze Rinascere Studios, LTD. The male African Lion, in all his regal splendor, is undisputed ruler of the African Savannah. While he often displays a typically feline nonchalance, a single royal roar announces the scope and power of his "Sovereign Reign". Retail Value $31,000.00. Sold for $5000.00
Autographed guitar from Eric Clapton sold for $
Bucs Helmet signed by the coach and six all star players sold for $
Bailey Banks & Biddle, the national jewelry store chain whose local store is in International Plaza, has donated this magnificent TAG Heuer Monza Automatic Chronograph with solid 18K gold case with retail value of $7800. This watch has quite a history. It was originally presented in the 1930's. Some years ago, although it was still popular, it went out of production. It remained so popular that there was an active "secondary market" of people seeking to purchase the watch used. As a result of the persistent demand, it was reintroduced as a current line. With its elegant "cushion"-shaped case, this chronograph perfectly reflects the sporting spirit of the thirties. The Monza Automatic model donated to the auction is driven by an automatic caliber 6 movement with a seconds sub-dial at six o'clock.
For more details about this beautiful watch, visit http://www.tagheuer.com/watches/detail.lbl?case=watch and to learn more about Bailey Banks & Biddle visit http://www.bbbjewelers.com or call the Tampa store at 813 353-3620 and ask for Greg or Christine. Sold for $5000.00
"Fly" a C-130 Hercules Simulator. You and one companion will spend 60 minutes in a high tech flight training device. Under the guidance of an expert pilot, you can take off, fly and land this four engine turpoprop military transport aircraft. This simulator is being used every day to train U.S. and international military aircrews. This opportunity is not offered to the general public at any price, but is being graciously donated to Big Cat Rescue's bid winner by CAE USA INC. Sold for $
Spend a month in a month in a new S-Type Jaguar (the car, not the cat) valued at $2500.00 donated by Jaguar of Tampa www.JaguarOfTampa.com Sold for $
Elliott Ross of Ross Realty has graciously offered to take the winner (4 people) of this live auction bid cruising in a Sonic 33SE 800 HP (custom built by JR Custom Marine in Hollywood Florida) from Beach Park down Tampa Bay for lunch at the Vinoy and returning, and possibly stopping at the new on the water restaurant - "RattleFish" on the way back. Leave around noon and be back around 5PM. Shown here is the captain and his ship. Value of this package is more than $1000.00 and sold for $
Stairs Mountain Cabin Week long Vacation in Bryson City, N.C. This Cabin is a 2 Bedroom 1 1/2 Bath with a Loft that has 2
Single Beds suitable for Children. Full Kitchen, Central Heat and Air, Washer and Dryer, Satellite TV, Fully furnished, all you need is food.It is located on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountain Park on a Private Mountain, bordered on one side by the Oconaluftee River, secluded, yet only minutes to town. 
We are 4 miles from Cherokee and 6 miles from Bryson City. Miles of Beautiful Scenic Roads to walk on, Picnic area along the river to cook out, build a Fire and enjoy the Peace and Quiet. A Beautiful Vacation place where you will build wonderful Memories and want to return again. http://www.stairsmountaincabin.com Sold for $
Table Sponsors $600.00 and up
1 Nation Technology
Audio Visual Innovations
Body & Soul by Janet
Cox Radio
Dolphin Landings
Florida Voice for Animals
Grzesiak
In The Breeze Horseback Riding Ranch
Jaguar of Tampa
Northwestern Mutual - Andrew Orr, CFP, CLU, ChFC
O'Brien
Stairs Family #1 table
Stairs Family #2 table
Stairs Family #3 table
Tampa Bay Hand Center
Weinstein, Faith
Table Sponsor $600
Benefits:
• One table for ten at Fur Ball with prominent table signage.
• Company name listing in event Program Guide.
• Company name listing on Fur Ball page on Big Cat Rescue website.
• Company name listing in quarterly newsletter mailed to 30,000 supporters.
• Free Big Cat Rescue tour passes for entire table.
100% of your tax-deductible donations go directly into the care of our cats.
Silent Auction Donors over 500.00
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has generously donated Four Nights in their Safari Camp that includes full board and game drives for two people. This is valued at $2,120.00 and does not include airfare or drinks. Lewa Downs Private Bag ISIOLO, Kenya TEL/FAX: (+254-164) 31405 E-MAIL info@lewa.org www.lewa.org Sold for $2100.00
Volunteer, Julie Hanan painted this lovely Kitty Condo / Kid's Play house that was donated by Devin Dutcher with a value of $750.00 and sold for $500.00
Sharon Seefeld & Julie Hanan donated dozens of great gifts HERE.
Brigitte & Jeff Ajluni donated TWO (count them two) sets of two Club Seats to two Buccaneer's Football Games. These are valued at 240.00 per seat. Two tickets are for the Bucs vs Falcons 12/5/04 West Club, Section 207, Row K Seats 21 &22. Two tickets are for the Bucs vs Broncos 10/3/04 same seats as above. These four tickets have a value of $960.00 and may not be re-sold.
Marcella M. Mirande photo valued at $500.00
Brandi Bandy's Pink Palace Raffle Drawing will end tonight and a winner chosen, but you don't have to be present to win. See it in person and buy your raffle tickets in our Trading Post at Big Cat Rescue or on line in our secure online gift shop.
This pet palace has hinged roof to allow air flow on hot summer days, curtains and matching pillow pad.
CasonPhotography.com is donating a portrait session on the beach and an 11 x 14 wall portrait that resembles paint on canvas. $600.00 value. Check out their web site for samples.
THANKS FOR COMING !
This was a great chance to do all of your holiday shopping, have a great meal and fun auction, meet people who care about the cats, and it's Fur a Great Cause! Thanks for helping us give these unwanted cats a safer retirement home.
If you could not attend, please consider making a donation to help build our perimeter wall by clicking here.
THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our cats are only kept alive through your
support. On behalf of the cats, we thank you!
P.S. Please note that ALL of your donations go directly to support the cats.
Fur Ball Fundraising Committee:
Jamie Veronica, Susan Mitchell, Denny Mitchell, Scott Lope and Howie Baskin. Thanks for all of your fundraising ideas.
If you or your civic group would like to help with the Fur Ball next year by manning check in and check out stations, addressing envelopes or set up, please contact Jamie Veronica at SaveTheCats@BigCatRescue.org
DONATIONS TO THE SILENT AUCTION
More than 300 fabulous items were donated to the silent auction.
Next year, if you or your company have any item
that we could add to our silent
auction, PLEASE
contact our President, Jamie Veronica, at SaveTheCats@BigCatRescue.org. Art
work and certificates for dinner or other local services are especially helpful. If
your gift is valued at $500 or more, please submit a photo and short bio on
yourself or your company for our appreciation presentation.