November 17, 2023
The PAWS Chicago Fur Ball is Chicago's premier pet-friendly black tie event! Set at the legendary Drake Hotel, this unique gala invites guests to dress their pets in four-legged formal wear and walk the red carpet for an exciting celebration to benefit PAWS Chicago. Guests will delight in the silent and live auctions with one-of-a-kind items, raffle, dancing, and dinner buffets. Lucky dogs in attendance will also be treated to an evening of indulgences - including a divine dinner served in crystal goblets at the special dog buffet, and can enjoy pawdicures, massages, and delightful pet-friendly spritzes in the Dog Spa.
For general inquiries, please contact furball@pawschicago.org
Gold Coast Emcees
Sylvia Perez
Sylvia Perez is a veteran Chicago Journalist and currently a weekday morning Anchor for FOX 32’s Good Day Chicago. She has been recognized for her achievements with multiple awards, including Emmys and the Peter Lisagor award. Sylvia has a beautiful PAWS Chicago “grand dog” named Marisol. She loves the work PAWS is doing to end pet homelessness in Chicago and is looking forward to emceeing the Fur Ball once again.
Jake Hamilton
Emmy-winning Jake Hamilton is the Entertainment Anchor for FOX 32 Chicago. When Jake isn't traveling the world interviewing the planet's biggest stars, he can be found cozying up with his PAWS Chicago dog and best pal, Daenerys. He is also the co-host of the "ReelBlend" podcast. Jake is a longtime supporter and passionate advocate for Chicago's homeless pets.
Grand Ballroom Emcees
Natalie Bomke
Natalie Bomke is an anchor and reporter at FOX 32 Chicago. Her broadcast career began in Central Illinois as a morning anchor and reporter in Champaign and Springfield. She co-anchored FOX40 Live Morning News in Sacramento, and FOX26 Morning News in Houston. Natalie was awarded the prestigious Chicago Headline Club Peter Lisagor Award in 2018. She and her husband, Ed, are parents to their daughter Olive, and their four-legged family includes Charley the Goldendoodle and rescue kitty, Mr. Bill. Natalie is a longtime friend of PAWS Chicago and is excited to be back emceeing the Fur Ball!
Chris Petlak
Chris Petlak is host of The Morning Mix on 101.9fm The MIX in Chicago. He currently lives in Logan Square with his wife Amy, their two kids, and their dog Roscoe who they adopted from PAWS in 2014. Roscoe loves chewing on toys, taking long naps, and eating whatever surprises his two kid siblings drop on the floor during lunch and dinner!
Thank you to our 2023 sponsors:
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Wayne & Nan Kocourek
LEADERS OF THE PACK
Peter & Paula Fasseas Foundation | Mark Holder & Megan Seiboldt
HOST COMMITTEE
Melissa & Michael Canning | Josh & Caiti Mateffy | Murray, Anne Marie, Kesey, & Stoker Peretz | Sachs Family Foundation | Scott & Nancy Santi | Kimberly Slivensky
LIFESAVERS
Anne M. Appel, M.A., LCPC, @the.wellbeing.therapist | Beecken Family Foundation | Business Valuation Group, Inc. | Rita & John Canning | Pam & Ed Carey | Conagra Brands | Bruce & Deborah Crown | Pam Myerson, Engel & Völkers Scottsdale and Bob Zunker | Workstorm
CHAMPIONS
Chicago Cubs | Judy & Bill Goldberg | Stephane & John Harris | ITW | National Veterinary Associates | Cathy & Bill Osborn
HEROES
Fulcrum Aesthetics | Images Med Spa | Marc Phillips | REAL Solutions, PLLC | Pat Welch & Maia Mosillo
BEVERAGE PARTNER
Lakeshore Beverage
MEDIA SPONSORS
*Sponsors as of September 29, 2023