Silver Fur Ball is back to help Philly’s furry friends

This weekend marks one extra special occasion for Morris Animal Refuge.

The Silver Fur Ball is officially back this year, and 2022 marks the 25th installment for the occasion, which will be held at the Bellevue Philadelphia this Friday, March 25. 

The Silver Fur Ball: 25 Years of a Life Saving Celebration will first kick off with a VIP cocktail hour 6 to 7 p.m., followed by the event reception from 7 to 11 p.m. As a release states, this yearly celebration is the refuge’s single largest fundraiser and goes towards helping the homeless, abandoned and unwanted pets of the Greater Philadelphia region. Emceed by Steve Morrison of WMMR’s Preston and Steve, the celebration will include a 4-hour open bar, delectable fare, live music and a night of dancing. Tickets to Morris Animal Refuge’s Silver Fur Ball begin at $175 per person for general admission, and VIP tickets are also available for guests looking to extend the festivities by an extra hour at $195 per ticket.

“After celebrating last year virtually, the return of our in-person gala is just in time for the shelter’s historic 25th silver anniversary,” said Lewis Checchia, Executive Director of Morris Animal Refuge in a statement. “Morris Animal Refuge has been serving animals in the Philadelphia community since 1874 and now more than ever, our work is needed. We look forward to coming together as a vaccinated community in order to support our life-saving mission.” 

Morris Animal Refuge in Center City has been serving the City of Brotherly Love for way over a century—Elizabeth Morris first started her services to animals along with her friend Annie Waln in 1858, and their work was first known as the Morris Refuge Association for Homeless and Suffering Animals. The Morris Animal Refuge then opened its doors years later in 1874, and by doing so, Morris opened the first Animal Shelter in the United States… and the refuge has since provided many “firsts” for the nation when it comes to animal welfare.

When Morris first opened, 850 homeless and suffering animals were brought in. As the years have gone by, Morris now serves upwards of 1,500 animals annually. Donating is certainly a huge part of assisting the refuge, but the Silver Fur Ball makes a huge impact on the organization’s mission, and allows them to keep their promise to the area’s furry friends. 

Directly, proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards saving homeless, abandoned and unwanted pets of the Greater Philadelphia region by supporting America’s first animal shelter with vital programs including the Lifesaver Fund, the Fostering Program, the Adoption Program and the Low Cost Spay & Neuter Program. 

“We look forward to the Fur Ball year after year, and especially this year, because it’s like no other event in the city,” said Checchia. “Animal lovers of all kinds get together to celebrate our four-legged friends in our biggest fundraiser while all enjoying great food and cocktails for an even greater cause.”

For more information or to purchase tickets to The Fur Ball, visit phillyfurball.com. Donations to support local animals in the area can also be made online.