Philadelphia

2013 Fur Ball “All You Need Is Love” in Photos

February 25, 2013 by HughE Dillon

Philadelphia’s Morris Animal Refuge held its 16th annual evening of fun, fundraising, and love for animals—the Fur Ball at the University of the Arts Hamilton Hall last week.

The theme of the 2013 Fur Ball was “All You Need Is Love,” and guests “celebrated the
era when flower power reigned and tie-dye was the trend.” This year’s event theme is especially
important, as it rings true in pet ownership—all you need is love to change an animal’s life. 

Jim DePaul who 
has been with the Morris Animal Refuge since 1991.  Started as a
volunteer, and then worked his way up from Kennel Attendant to the
position of General Manager, welcomes the guests and recognizes this years honorees.

 Including presenting the prestigious Elizabeth Morris Award to honored guest Anne Irwin, the Executive Director of the Bucks County SPCA. The Elizabeth Morris Award is presented annually to a person or organization that has made a significant impact upon animal welfare over the last calendar year. Irwin recently oversaw the development of a new facility for the Bucks County SPCA which doubled their capabilities to rescue animals. Irwin said that saving animals has come a long since she took the position. These days there are felony animal laws, provisions from judges that remove animals from abusive homes, respect from the community, it’s easier to save the lives of animals now.

 I love, love, love surprise awards. This young lady thought she was going to give an award to Jim DePaul but he turned the tables on her and said he was there to honor her. Catherine Scafidi, accompanied by her husband Ernest with Annemarie O’Donnell, Member and Chair, Volunteer Committee and Philadelphia’s Fox 29 weather anchor Sue Serio who was the evening’s emcee. Catherine Scafidi has volunteered at the Morris Animal Refuge for 28 years. Well deserved!!

 The Morris Animal Refuge Board of Directors recently announced an ambitious five year plan. The
purpose of this strategic plan is to dramatically increase adoptions, enhance the Refuge’s Center
City facilities, expand programs and refocus the direction of the Refuge’s mission and goals.

Donielle Powell and Wayne Humphrey. Wayne tells me he bought this shirt for his brothers bachelor party two years ago. The theme was Boogie Nights. He hasn’t worn it since. The duo love supporter the Morris Animal Refuge, and were excited to celebrate their love of beagles, I mean the Beatles.
 Ara Aurigian and Donna Ingling
 Cindy Deluca gets her fun face on

Laura DiFrancesco, Billy Vargus, Philadelphia’s Fox 29 weather anchor Sue Serio served as the evening’s emcee and Miss Pennsylvania USA Jessica Billings.

Did you know you can adopt a pet virtually. No animal brought to our door is ever turned away. Unfortunately not all
animals find new homes. It takes hard work, sometimes a little luck,
and always the generosity of our friends to feed, care for and find
homes for our abused, neglected and abandoned friends. Please help us in our mission and save a life today!

 Grace Labouchere and her son George Clothier
 Dr Jessica Owkun and Dr Ralph Guarneri
Christine Goetschius MS, OTR/L, Director of Rehabilitation Services at Drexel and James Miller
 Bruce Braverman and Ellen Seidman wearing original outfits from their days in the ’60s. Bruce was in the service, and Ellen wore her outfit to Woodstock. The duo met in the 70’s, finally were engaged in the 80’s. It didn’t work out and they married other people. Fast forward to the new century and they re-connected on Facebook and have taken up where they left off. Ellen tells me that these days they’re happier then ever, they’re enjoying ever moment of their lives and it’s smooth sailing.

 Jana and Dave Challenger
 Diane O’Mara, Jana Challenger and Maria Quattrone

 Amit Gabai, photographer extraordinaire as well as Massage Therapy for your home & workplace at RelaxPhilly
Sey Gillespie, Nyraie Ellison and Edith Arrington

To learn more about the Morris Animal Refuge, visit their website at www.MorrisAnimalRefuge.org.