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PAWS Fur Ball raises $1 million+
Philip (from left), Greg and Janice Beck (right) with Maria Bracho and dogs Henry, Betsy and Gus, all of Winnetka | Photo courtesy of Malia Rae Photography
PAWS Chicago 11th annual Fur Ball
BENEFITTING: PAWS Chicago
DATE: Nov. 9
LOCATION: Drake Hotel, Chicago
ATTENDED: 725 human / 150 canine guests
RAISED: $1 million+
WEBSITE: pawschicago.org
Article Extras
PAWS Chicago’s Eleventh Annual Fur Ball, attended by a record 725 people and 150 pets, took place at Chicago’s The Drake Hotel on Nov. 9. As Chicago’s premier pet-friendly black tie gala, the event raised more than $1,000,000 which will go directly to saving the lives of Chicago’s homeless animals, making it the most successful Fur Ball to date. The David Duffield Family received the PAWS Chicago Visionary Award for their exemplary work on a national scale with Maddie’s Fund, dedicated to building No Kill communities. Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan helped auction off a private acoustic performance and sit-down tea with him at his new Highland Park tea house, Madame Zuzu’s. After a bidding war between three guests, Corgan offered the same opportunity to each bidder, all together raising $90,000. Presenting Sponsor Raj Fernando of Chopper Trading committed to a $63,000 matching gift for spay/neuter surgeries for pets of low-income families, which was fulfilled by three generous donors. For more information about PAWS Chicago, please visit pawschicago.org.
