Web Extra: Fur Ball Benefits Local Shelter

Saturday, February 27, 2010

by Jessica Crossfield
February 25, 2010

Candy Nelson and Lisa Merrow, along with quite a few friends, are putting on their dancing shoes to help out some needy animals.

“We do the Fur Ball every year,” said Nelson, a seven-year Humane Society of the Ohio Valley volunteer. “It is a fun, fun event.”

The Fur Ball started about seven years ago when a group volunteers and friends decided to raise some extra money for the Humane Society of the Ohio Valley. The event has turned into a huge fundraiser, expecting from about 250-300 guests and raising about $10,000.

“It is the largest fundraiser for the year,” Nelson said. “Most of the shelter money is based all on donations,”

Lisa Merrow was also one of the originators of the event and said that part of the event taking place in February is a way to combat cabin fever and get people out and active during the cold weather.

“It was something to do in the winter to make money for the shelter,” Merrow said. “We always have a full house, and it is great seeing people out supporting such a great cause.”

The Humane Society completely subsists on donations and grants, and with the money raised from the Fur Ball, lots of animals are able to be saved and made adoptable.

“A lot of the money goes towards medical expenses,” Nelson said. “Medicine is a huge expense for the Humane Society, and if you are able to get treatment for the dogs then you can make them adoptable.”

Both Merrow and Nelson have pets that were either adopted from the shelter or were strays. Nelson herself has four pets that she adopted or prevented from going to the shelter; two cats and two dogs, one of them a kitten she got about six months ago.

“I just love them,” she said.

The Fur Ball will be held at the American Legion Post 159, in Williamstown, WV on February 27. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the Silent Auction only and, the dance starts at 8:00 p.m. Other donations are always accepted, such as cash, cat litter, dry cat and dog food, toys, and anything else an animal may need.