11th Annual Paws Fur Ball

November 16, 2012 in Chicago, Events, On Location

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Over 700 faithful supporters flowed into the elegant Drake Hotel on a chilly Friday night (Nov. 9th) as the 11th Annual PAWS Chicago Fur Ball got underway.

Lassie would’ve been proud as the lobby, hallways, and party rooms of the Drake Hotel looked more like Noah’s Ark (with 2 of every dog type) than a prestigious 5 – star hotel.

Canine breeds of every size, shape, and color were proudly represented as women in high heels, designer dresses, and glamorous jewelry showed up while being pulled by their favorite furry friend on a leash to support the PAWS annual fundraiser.

Alexis Fasseas & Haleigh Bernbaum, photo by Malia Rae Photography

Fur Ball Co-Chairs Rita Moore, Joanna Mallers, Sandy & Lauren Walfish, photo by Malia Rae Photography

Ross & Suzie Glickman, Andrea Schwartz & Dr. Steve Stryker

FOX’s Anna Davlantes & husband David Gamperl – photo by Richard Chen

Ice sculpture, photo by Malia Rae Photography

Kim Gleeson & Richard Doermer with Spencer & PAWS pup, photo by Malia Rae Photography

Michael & Melissa Canning, Judith Blazer & Ann Wallace, photo by Alexis Fasseas

Kitchen Crashers host Alison Victoria with Luke Harding & Ditka, photo by Sparenga Photography

Ann Wallace, Judith Blazer & Paula Fasseas, photo by Richard Chen

The furry festivities started at 6:00 P.M. with a terrific cocktail hour, followed by a silent and live auction, a sumptuous buffet dinner, and lively dancing into the late-night hours.

As a spectacular fundraiser, the “Buy it Now! Opportunities” included the three outstanding prizes garnering a lot of attention (and dollars): Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins donated a private acoustic performance (for four) at his home in Highland Park. Additional packages helped raise a stunning 90K. Thank you, Billy.

A Carrie Underwood Meet & Greet offering two premier tickets to her Dec. 12th show at the United Center and an autographed guitar, a chance to be a part of an international crew on board a TOM 28 sailboat during next year’s Chicago Match Cup, or a private football camp with the Bear’s Johnny Knox.

Highlighted in the exclusive live auction were: four V.I.P. tickets to the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, two tickets to next year’s star-studded Grammy Awards, and an exotic first-class trip to Beijing and Shanghai with luxury accommodations at the Park Hyatt.

Virtually all breeds of the Canine World were showcased as it was a dog’s night to behold; with almost every breed in the spotlight from Terriers to Hounds to Doberman Pinschers to Poodles trotting up and down the Red Carpet as cameras flashed on this fabulous furry night.

This night all of these wonderful animals were acknowledged and celebrated, it felt like the Drake Hotel should’ve been re-named the Dogs Hotel !!

All breeds were “Best in Show” in my opinion at the 11th Annual PAWS Chicago Fur Ball

Congratulations to PAWS, the Drake, and corporate sponsors Chopper Trading and A. Marek Jewelry; Bonnie Spurlock- honorary chair, the wonderful staff and volunteers, and of course our hero Paula Fasseas, founder for such a remarkable event.

About Irene Michaels

Over the past 25 years I have taken on the roles of a producer, publisher, insider journalist and fundraiser. My artistic interests began early in my teens working as a model and a dancer throughout the U.S. I formed my first modeling agency before I was twenty. While modeling I secured a re-occurring role in the popular daytime TV series General Hospital. Read more...