The Fur Ball

Lancaster SCPA going ‘all out’ with fundraising gala

By Mandy Catoe
For The Lancaster News
Nov 12, 2017

One of the photos featured in the 2018 LSPCA Calendar

The Lancaster SPCA will host its biggest fundraising event ever on Dec. 2 – Fur Ball Gala 2017, a night of dining, dancing, live music and auctions.
The event is 7 p.m. at the Bradley Building’s special events room at USC Lancaster.
The semi-formal party will be a festive way to bring in the holidays and support the SPCA’s mission of saving homeless pets.
The silent and live auctions will offer the chance to bid on fine art, handmade jewelry, handcrafted furniture, gift baskets and much more. A week-long stay at any U.S. Wyndham Resort will go to the highest bidder.
“We have been talking about this a couple years, wishing we had a signature event,” said Diana Knight, Lancaster SPCA president. “And this is the first time we have gone all out.”
She wants to see everyone in “festive attire” and welcomes anything from tuxedos and formal gowns to slacks and crazy Christmas sweaters.
“We just want everyone to have fun. If they want to dress up, then that is what we want them to do,” she said. “Come have fun and let’s raise some money for our animals.”
Knight said she has been overwhelmed by the support of the community with its many auction donations.
Among the items up for bid are handmade jewelry, pottery, a farmhouse table with a bench, a wine rack, paintings, gift baskets, and a fully-decorated Christmas tree.
“The tree, which I can’t wait to see, is decorated by Julie Walters from the Women’s Enrichment Center,” Knight said. “And it has her flair on it that we all love.”
Attendees will enjoy a catered meal from Jean Hegler as they dine surrounded by the festive decorations of the Lancaster Garden Club. DJ Split Second Sound and Musically Yours will provide the dance tunes. There will be a full open bar.
Attendees can take fun pictures in a photo booth with various props including boas, signs, masks and hats. Freshly-rolled cigars will be available on the patio.
LSCPA will unveil its 2018 calendar, featuring before-and-after photos of SPCA-rescued pets along with a story from the pet’s new owner.
The 15-month calendars will be sold for $20, with all proceeds going to the LSPCA thanks to two sponsors who donated the printing and the photography. Mike Gilmore of The UPS Store and photographer Amy Tensei made the calendar at no charge, Knight said.
UPS also printed the tickets and event brochures free of charge.
Tickets for the four-hour celebration are $50 each and can be purchased at Black Stone Massage, the Women’s Enrichment Center and Hair Port. They are also available online or from any LSPCA board member.
The Lancaster chapter of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was started in 2013. Knight fostered animals for two years prior to establishing the local chapter.
Since the LSPCA does not turn any dog or cat away, it has become the urgent-care rescue group in the area, Knight said. They saved the burned puppy Sophie, Marty, a victim of gallstones, and Blondie, who had to have her injured eye surgically removed.

Brodie when rescued

Brodie after much love and a good bath

Knight said the nonprofit’s partnership with Faulkner Animal Hospital enables it to offer the critical pets a chance at life. She said she is grateful they can accept animals in need.

“Before becoming the emergency urgent-care rescue group, we could handle our costs with adoption fees,” she said. “This critical care goes beyond our vetting costs.”  
Long-term goals include a facility offering spay/neuter services, adoption and education.
“Lancaster needs available spaying and neutering,” Knight said. “Taking care of animals people already own will cut down on the strays.”
Knight is aware the evening of the party coincides with the ACC and SEC football championships, and she will have TVs onsite and tuned to the football games. Clemson will play in the ACC game if it defeats Florida State University this weekend.  
“Don’t stay home and have a party at your house,” Knight said. “Come to ours. This is the best kind of Christmas party. Raise money, watch football and have a beverage on the patio.”
More information and updates can be found on the website www.Lancasterspca.net and facebook page: Lancaster SPCA – Lancaster. Auction items are still being added.

Roo - Ready for adoption