Photo by Shannon Mercer Cookie Smith, Tracy Johnson, David Smith, Chance, and Jan Jernigan at the Fur Ball Moonlight Gala The second annual Fur Ball benefiting Project Pet was held October 11, 2008, at the Metropolitan Convention Center. This year's event exceeded last year's goal by raising over $200,000. Funds raised will be used to save homeless pets from Richland and Lexington Counties Animal Shelters and assist in building an Adoption, Outreach and Education Center on Bower Parkway opening in 2009.

Project Pet currently pulls 1,000 abandoned pets from the local shelters providing medical, training, and a temporary place to stay until they are ready to be adopted. In the Midlands alone, over 19,000 homeless pets are euthanized every year. Project Pet's goal is to collaborate with the counties, other animal groups, and the private community to create a no- kill community for companion pets.

The Fur Ball is chaired by Jan Jernigan, a board member of Project Pet and a financial advisor of UBS. "The community support we received this year was phenomenal! I've learned that the Midlands is not only full of animal- lovers, but also people who like to enjoy an elegant, fun party!"

Jan Jernigan, Fir Ball chairwoman, and Cyrus Frakes, co- chair. The event continues to grow in size, popularity, and sponsorships. As people walked down the red carpet, they were given champagne and delicious American Paddlefish Caviar donated by the Gourmet Shop. Linda Hiltner, The Gourmet Shop owner, said, "This fundraiser is top- notch. I am so glad to be associated with it! This was a fabulous party and everyone had a great time, while benefiting our homeless pets."

This year, there were items available for bidding that covered an array of prices. There were paintings by Blue Sky and other talented local artists, trips to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, South Carolina locations, jewelry, spa packages, watercraft items, and much, much more.

Karla Chickering, Hampton Jaguar Sales Manager, sent Project Pet the following message: "Thank you for the Fur Ball — probably the best organized and FUN event I've been to in years!"

Denise Wilkinson, Kyle Shealy, Paul Sloan, Karla Chickering, and Jack Sloan enjoy the Fur Ball Moonlight Gala. For further information on how to get involved in the 2009 Event or other activities at Project Pet, please contact the Project Pet office at 407-0991.