Just Do It

Fur Ball

by Annamarya Scaccia

Sat., Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m.-mid, $75-$85, Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market St., 215-735-9570, morrisanimalrefuge.org

For the past 134 years, Morris Animal Refuge has been hard at work caring for the abused, neglected and ill animals that land on its doorstep. In order to continue to serve Philly's four-legged friends, the animal sanctuary is hosting Fur Ball, an annual gala to help raise money and awareness about its mission.

Hosted by Fox 29 hottie John Bolaris and Kerri-Lee Halkett, this year's ball will feature live and silent auctions for goods including tickets to Wicked in New York City and a guitar signed by Jimmy Buffett. A DJ will spin tracks while a jazz trio will provide chiller tunes in the Pussycat Lounge, and a cash bar will be available in addition to the buffet-style dinner. Among the evening's honorees are Mayor Nutter and the fam, who rescued their dog Happy from Morris. Best of all, attendees are encouraged to dress in faux fur, animal prints and costumes that show their wild side.

While all proceeds from the evening will go toward fueling the daily operation of Morris as well as new initiatives, Fur Ball is not all about fundraising. "The main gist is to raise awareness that there's a Center City brick-and-mortar animal refuge," says Fur Ball committee chairman and Morris Animal Refuge board member Robert Beck. "We always accept your animal and do our best to nurse that animal back to health and find it a home."