Matt Holiday, auctioneer, sells an exclusive trip to Portugal to the highest bidder. The 3rd Annual Fur Ball brought out Columbia’s finest on October 17. Over 600 beautifully dressed people walked down a red carpet lined with several of South Carolina’s loveliest beauty queens at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

At the end of the red carpet, champagne and delicious caviar from The Gourmet Shop were elegantly served. The musical sounds of the fabulous dance band, “Heart and Soul” had toes tapping. The grand ballroom was filled with over 175 items for both the live and silent auctions, including luxurious domestic and overseas trips, beautiful artwork by Blue Sky and other talented local artists, and even a guitar signed by the legendary rock band, The Eagles. Scrumptious food, including Houston’s famous “shrimp and grits,” was prepared by Chef Bob St. Lawrence and his crew at Ovations.

The Fur Ball kicks off the social season in Columbia, according to Linda Hiltner, owner of the Gourmet Shop in Five Points. She said, “It’s an honor to be associated with such a great party serving such a worthy cause!”

Celebrating its 10 year anniversary, Project Pet has helped to place over 7,000 pets in loving homes. With over 19,500 pets euthanized every year in the Midlands, Project Pet is making a difference in the community by providing solutions to this problem.

Project Pet’s goal is to collaborate with the county shelters and other animal groups to create a no–kill community for companion pets. In addition to assisting with responsible adoptions, Project Pet has been active in getting legislation, education, and spay/neuter programs going in our community.

Jan Jernigan, Fur Ball chairwoman, said “We are thrilled to have raised well over $250,000 during such tough economic conditions. The community is really behind us and we appreciate it so much.” The funds will assist Project Pet in building a Regional Outreach and Adoption center on Bower Parkway in Columbia.

Dennis and Lynn Butt Todd Avant, president of NAI Avant, gave the Fur Ball rave reviews and said it is certainly in a league of its own. He said, “Congratulations on such a successful event and for very much raising the bar in Columbia!”

Mark your calendars for the 4th Annual Fur Ball to be held October 16, 2010. For further information about the Fur Ball and Project Pet, please call (803) 407-0991 or go to www.projectpet.com.
Jan Jernigan, Fur Ball chairwoman and Deloris Mungo
Emcees Daniel Seaman and Alicia Barnes, ABC Columbia