A fat cat named Jack Torrance, a standard poodle named Raider, and a tail-wagging pit bull mix named Zeus were just a few of the furry friends welcoming guests to the H.A.L.O. No-Kill Rescue’s annual Masquerade Fur Ball, held at Cobalt in the Vero Beach Hotel and Spa. Attendees were greeted with outstretched paws, wet noses and puppy dog eyes from adoptable dogs and cats, all hoping to find their fur-ever home.
The magical evening was a one-of-a-kind gala for pet lovers, who came to support H.A.L.O. and celebrate the 20,000 lives saved over the past 16 years. Masked guests joined the furry greeters in a private party room for champagne and photos, before migrating to the bar for libations, laughter and some competitive bidding on silent-auction experiences and gifts.
Private VIP tours of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, were among the live-auction favorites, along with a fine-dining-at-home experience prepared by Chef Rob and served by Jacque Petrone, H.A.L.O. founder and executive director.
Each elegant place setting for the sumptuous six-course dinner was graced with an irresistible photo of an adoptable H.A.L.O. resident.
“We have about 90 dogs and 40 cats currently available for adoption,” said Petrone. “Each and every one of them deserves a second chance.”
According to Allyson Bootes, H.A.L.O. director of development, a couple of the dog greeters found their homes through the event and a lot of interest was generated for their kennel mates.
“We had 130 supporters in attendance and raised about $140,000 at this event. It’s a very generous community,” she said.
H.A.L.O. (Helping Animals Live and Overcome) was established here in 2006 as the first no-kill rescue shelter in Indian River County. Through community partnerships, donations and grants, the nonprofit continues to grow and expand its facilities and programs.
Their Angel Wing Program allows an ‘Angel’ to sponsor a pet, waiving their adoption fee and increasing their chance for adoption. An Angel Medical Program provides funds to cover medical services for H.A.L.O. residents.
Their Barn Cat Program provides a solution to the county’s outdoor cat problem by spaying, neutering and vaccinating feral cats and re-homing them to local barns. A Foster Program provides training and supplies to families willing to give temporary one-on-one attention to animals needing to become accustomed to living in a home, and frees up room in the shelter to save more lives. And a Fresh Start Program focuses on rehabilitating ‘misfit’ dogs who are mistrusting, poorly behaved and under-socialized, thereby helping them to find a loving home.
Proceeds from the event will enable H.A.L.O to continue providing care to the animals in their shelter, help them find permanent homes and advocate for our community’s pets while reducing euthanasia rates.
In March H.A.L.O. will host a ‘Spay Ghetti’ event to raise money for low-cost spaying and neutering. For more information, visit HaloRescue.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
