Fur Ball Raises $730,000 For Humane Society of Silicon Valley

Contributed by Steve Spivack

The Fur Ball, Humane Society Silicon Valley’s annual black-tie fundraiser that brings people and pets together, has raised over $730,000 in funds for the 84-year old organization—a new record and a 15 percent increase from 2012, according to organizers.

Cirque de Soirée” was this year’s theme and the tagline, “Let your imagination take flight” invited the 500 guests and sponsors at the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton to dream big about the role they could play in helping Humane Society Silicon Valley continue to meet its mission goals. Residents from around Silicon Valley, including Los Altos Hills, were a part of the effort.

The funds raised on April 13 will help realize the vision to provide comprehensive, community-minded solutions to address the medical, social, and behavioral needs of homeless animals as well as the support needs of pet owners and potential adopters in our shared community. 

In addition to the traditional elegance of this event, this year’s guests enjoyed a sense of whimsy - a “cirque-esc” aesthetic accentuated by the lush and private grounds of the Menlo Circus Club. Guests enjoyed pet portraiture by Bark Pet Photography and Jen Raynes Studio, wine tasting, live music, and “Mutt-inis” at the ever-popular Martini Luge. The delectable cuisine of Menlo Circus Club’s Executive Chef, Gary Goldman, was another of the evening’s highlights. Longtime friend of the organization, meteorologist and reporter, Craig Herrera, hosted the affair. 

Addressing the guests, HSSV President Carol Novello spoke of three principles that drive Humane Society Silicon Valley’s organizational imagination; compassion, collaboration, and community, “…three words (that) guide us toward a vital idea:  When you connect an animal with a person, you enrich two lives”.  In an effort to enrich the lives of every animal in its care, the organization offers cutting edge medical treatment and special behavior modification programs.

Kodiak, a kitten that underwent extensive ophthalmological procedures, and Diesel, a dog for whom round-the-clock care and training were provided to address severe separation anxiety, were two pets featured that are now joined with loving, committed families. 

Novello emphasized to all present that their investment in these lifesaving programs, to the principles of compassion, collaboration, and community, has, since 2007, helped the organization save 100 percent of the healthy animals in its care. 

Sponsors for The Fur Ball included: Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., Heritage Bank of Commerce, Cheryl Marquez, CFP, of Waddell & Reed Financial Advisors, Quintess Collection, IfOnly – Extraordinary Experiences for Good, Parktown Veterinary Clinic, The Whole Pet Vet Hospital & Wellness Center, La Fondue Restaurant, and Danny Thomas Party Rentals.