By Larry Sacks

 

On Saturday night, over 450 people drove along Centennial Blvd, turned right at Gate 1 and parked in the lot.  Except they weren’t there for any of the rides or attractions at Great America. Instead, they followed the circuitous route for the 5th Annual Fur Ball – the Humane Society of Silicon Valley’s (HSSV) annual black tie fundraiser.  The Fur Ball name is a humorous take on fund raisers, but with the black tie appeal that makes events like this special.  But what set this event apart from others of the same ilk were the guests who did not sport a ticket or a tux, but rather a leash.  Although a “fur ball” typically refers to an unintended present from a cat, the attendees on leashes were the dogs owned by the ticket-toting attendees. 

 

According to Christine Benninger, president of HSSV, “This year’s Fur Ball theme, ‘True-Blue Companion’ was chosen to demonstrate the important role animal companions play in our lives and the magic that happens when people bond with their pets.”   The Fur Ball was described as “...an elegant evening where guests can attend with their animal companions in a ‘free-flow’ atmosphere.”  Servers wandered through the event with plates of delectable appetizers and kibble for the human and animal guests respectively.  Entertainment included wine tasting and “dinner by the bite” with numerous wineries and restaurants, live music of Mark Russo and The Classy Cats and a silent and live auction.

 

But what would a ball be without a King and Queen?  Emmy Award-winning comedienne Kathy Griffin and Silicon Valley legend Steve Wozniak served that role admirably.  Bravo Television was on hand filming highlights of Kathy’s “reign as queen” for her show “Kathy Griffin:  My Life on the D-List.”   When asked what she thought of being Queen of a Fur Ball, Kathy responded, “I’ve never had my own monarchy.  Steve said we can form our own government and we’ll appoint dogs and cats as cabinet members.”  When asked how he felt about being the King of a Fur Ball, Steve responded, “I’m grateful to be so honored by being a part of this.”  Both Steve and Kathy also have companion animals, although they weren’t in attendance at the Ball.  Steve has four dogs – Benny and Z (father and son), along with Zeus and Cruiser.  Kathy said she has two dogs – Chance and Pompom.  All jokes aside, both Kathy and Steve beamed with pride over the honor of being the King and Queen of a ball for such a worthy cause. 

 

A variety of talent was on hand to give guests and their pets activities to while away the evening.  Among them, Jeanelle Steiner owner of J. Steiner Creative (www.jsteinercreative.com) was on hand painting portraits of the four legged companions.  Jeanelle said this was her first year at the Fur Ball, “I had a great time, it was such a fun event.  The animals were so cute and everywhere you looked, people were smiling and enjoying themselves.”   For those looking for information on training their dogs, Cerena Zutis was on hand with “Little Guy”.  Little Guy, a 1-1/2 year old Border Collie/Terrier mix was ready for Kathy and Steve’s arrival.  Cerena, (goodgooddog@peoplepc.com), a professional dog trainer, had Little Guy ready to greet Kathy and Steve as they entered the ball by posing on the seat of one of the auction items - a 2007 Victory Kingpin Tour Motorcycle.  During the evening, Little Guy showed off some of the tricks he’s learned including hiding his face under his paws when Cerena uttered the words “Oh No!”   Little Guy, a dog who had special needs when he was adopted, was left in a drop-off box, also appeared on Late Night With David Letterman.  And for those who wanted to know if their pets were trying to say I’m hungry, I love you, or I can’t believe you’re going to make me wear that sweater – all the other dogs will make fun of me,  Ronia Grillos (www.catherinegrillos.com), the pet psychic was on hand to provide the answers pet owners were seeking.  

 

Tickets were $250 per person and the event was sold out to almost beyond capacity.  Funds raised are used to support crucial HSSV programs. For more information on the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, visit www.hssv.org.