[paws_header.htm]
 
 
First Annual Fur Ball
 
Black tie bichons, sequined spaniels celebrate at the Fur Ball
 
The first annual Fur Ball took place on November 2, 2002, co-hosted by PAWS Chicago and completely underwritten by ESCADA, the Michigan Avenue fashion boutique. More than 300 area pet lovers and about 50 of their pampered pooches stepped out in tuxes and ball gowns to celebrate the joy pets bring to our lives and to help save Chicago's homeless dogs and cats. Juanita Jordan served as honorary chair, long with her Maltese dogs Jasper and Missy. The evening gala was hugely successful and  raised more than $100,000 to further the PAWS no-kill mission. After making their red carpet entrance past the flashing bulbs and gazing admirers, guests ventured into the four-story boutique that was transformed into a pet-lover's paradise. There they enjoyed scrumptious hor d'oeuvres donated by Smith & Wollensky and Wolfgang Puck Catering, along with a
full bar and top-shelf martinis. ESCADA models mingled in the crowd while guests and their pets danced the night away to the energetic sounds of the Michael Lerich Orchestra. Dapper doggies and their owners were treated to portrait sessions with photographer Jessica Tampas, while other primped puppies posed for the caricature artist or were evaluated by an animal communicator. Upstairs in the dogs-only luxury spa, four-legged clients received massages and aromatherapy treatments in the privacy of their own human-free zone.
 

Maria Smithburg and Carol Walter orchestrated the entire celebration, along with their gracious planning committee and the generous donations of many local businesses and PAWS supporters. Community leaders flocked from city and suburbs alike to show off their furry friends and benefit home animals. Unfortunately, not all of Chicago's animals are as lucky as the ones who attended the Fur Ball, and helping those in need was the true purpose of the evening. "Sterilization is the only way to end pet overpopulation, and all funds raised this evening will go to our Lurie Family Spay/Neuter Clinic, where low income families

Event Co-chair Maria Smithburg with Vanilla, Honorary Chair Juanita Jordan with Missy, Co-chair Carol Walter, and Mayari Pritzker

can receive free spay/neuter and vaccination services for their pets," said Paula Fasseas, PAWS Chicago Founder and Chair. Thanks to ESCADA's tremendous generosity, the Fur Ball will now be an annual event in Chicago. Next year's event will be held on November 8, and we look forward to seeing you there!
 
  Benefactors
 
- Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jordan
- Mary Lee Lerich
- Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pritzker
- Mr. and Mrs. William Smithburg
- Mr. and Mrs. John Walter
- Mr. and Mrs. Peter Fasseas
  Patrons
 
- Mrs. Barbara Fosco
- Karen Klutznick
- Mr. Scott Miller and Ms. Tina Staley
- Mr. and Mrs. John Nichols
- Dr. and Mrs. Henry Roenigk
  Major In-kind Donors
 
- Wolfgang Puck Catering and Events
- Smith & Wollensky Restaurants
- Carlucci Restaurants
- George Jewell Catering
- The Wine Crier
- Fido Food Fair
- Kehoe Designs
- Frost Lighting
- Esdale Associates, Inc.
- Jessica Tampas Photography
- Jim Warych Photography
- Gannon Graphics
- Sappi Fine Paper
- Unisource
- Valet Parking Services, Inc.
PAWS Founder Paula Faseas, Ann Lurie, and Event Co-chair Carol Walter 
 
Mary Lee and Michael Lerich, Lester and Maureen Lampert 
 
Committee members Jerri and David Hoffman, Eileen Minasian 
[genftr.htm]
[paws_footer.htm]