Humane Society ‘Fur Ball’ Aug. 23

When more than 300 gather at the sold-out festivities of the 11th annual Fur Ball on Aug. 23, they may miss the hundreds of volunteers working behind the scenes to raise funds for the operating budget of the Watauga Humane Society.

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Proceeds will fund operating costs of the humane society, including spay and neuter services, microchip clinics and educational activities.

“We celebrate our 40th anniversary next year as one of the most dedicated animal-focused non-profits in the High Country and we need $450,000 in operational funds,” executive director Janet Pepin said. “We survive because our community’s spirit of charity keeps us alive. At the 10th annual Fur Ball, we raised more than $90,000 to help defray expenses.”

Pepin explained that co-chairs Jan Watson and Lisa Van Arnam coordinated the more than 100 volunteers serving on committees meeting since last fall, in addition to managing dozens of ASU students helping with auction details.

Local businesses and generous animal supporters have donated diverse prizes that will be auctioned Saturday, including a Linville Ridge Golf & Dinner Package, two ASU season football tickets, “The Animal” Dyson vacuum cleaner, an ASU football helmet signed by coach Jerry Moore and the champion ASU Mountaineers, plus a week’s vacation at a popular time share.

The Humane Society will take its own spin on Blowing Rock’s beloved art shows with “Art in the Bark,” which will highlight original art by local artists for buyers. Patrick McDonnell, creator of the “Mutts” comic strip, has donated a hand-signed original print. Committee co-chairs Mary Barcellona and Leslie Shavell said local artisans have submitted various works, including a pastel by Kevin Beck from Blowing Rock, photographs by Hugh Morton and an American Kestrel Sparrow Hawk sculpture from award-winning wood carver Tom Turner. Original watercolors, pastels, oil paintings, pottery and jewelry will also be available.

Susan Duke and Peggy Jessee, co-chairs of the auction committee, added that items for the athletically inclined include a guided fishing expedition, lessons from area tennis pros, a canoe trip and golf packages. Other areas of the silent auction feature home accessories, clothing, pet products, visits to local spas and fine dining.

This year, Jenny Miller will entertain the crowd as the guest auctioneer during the live auction.

Once again, Westglow Resort & Spa will serve as the “Best in Show” or lead sponsor of the Fur Ball. The popular band, “Peace & Love,” sponsored by the “Howell Howlers,” will provide music for entertainment and dancing.

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx will announce winners of the “Fur Court” photography contest. Local businessman and noted photographer Park Terrell of Boone will serve as master of ceremonies. Also slated to appear is Amanda Arrington, North Carolina director of the Humane Society of the United States.

Judy Clarke, president of the Watauga Humane Society, and volunteer Bettie Bond coordinated this year’s red, silver and black theme. Their committee will transform the Broyhill Ballroom into a stunning backdrop for the evening’s excitement. The media committee of board member Ben Henderson and Todd Bush will present portraits of animals rescued during 2007 at the Watauga Humane Society.