Volunteering at Fur Ball

For the 5th year in a row, I got the opportunity to volunteer at Wayside Waifs annual fundraiser Fur Ball. This year's Fur Ball theme was "The Wizard of Paws"... it was held on May 9, 2015.

The event was held at the Overland Park Convention Center where the ballroom was transformed into a Land of Oz party. More than 1000 attendees spent the evening bidding on auction items, feasting on dinner and satisfying their thirst with an open bar all to help the animals at Wayside Waifs.

This year's Emcee was Gary Lezak, Emmy Award Winning Meteorologist for KSHB 41 News. Long time supporters David and Dalia Morris and Chris and Susan Wally served as Chairpersons for the event.

Volunteers and Staff spent many hours preparing and helping out on event night. Here are some pics of staff and volunteers in action:

I worked the check in station again this year. It's the first point of interaction with the guests who attended. I always enjoy meeting everyone and wishing them a great time at the event.

 

 It was a great time for a great cause! Look forward to next year's Fur Ball! Hope to see you there!

Volunteering During the Holidays

Many people find the Holidays a good time to volunteer. They have time off from work or school and generally a more giving spirit. While help is needed year round, it is great to see increased volunteer activity during the holidays. The demand for volunteers during the holidays often exceeds the amount of volunteers! As you continue to cross presents off your holiday shopping list, remember those who are in need of your time and generosity, but may not be able to ask for your help. A great way to help those in need is to volunteer!

Here are some volunteer ideas to consider this Holiday Season:


VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsor A Needy Family

Put food on the table for a family that doesn't have the means to do so when you volunteer with Family-to-family.org, an organization that matches you with a household in need.

Help The Homeless
At a time when warm homes and family gatherings are common, the homeless are left feeling particularly isolated. The National Coalition for the Homeless offers a number of ways for volunteers to combat homelessness by serving food at shelters, building homes, or offering job training. Check out the list of ways you can get involved this year.

Deliver A Meal
Share a meal with a lonely person in need this holiday season when you sign up with Meals on Wheels' food-delivery program.

Volunteer For Vets
Find out how you can thank the veterans who put their lives on the line for our safety by visiting the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Visit A Senior
More than 50 percent of senior citizens in nursing homes never get visitors, according to the Senior Source. Bring a sense of family to someone who doesn't have one, when you volunteer at one of these locations.

Show Some Puppy (or Kitty) Love
Get a warm-fuzzy feeling when you volunteer with furry, loyal creatures who are waiting to find the perfect home. Find an animal shelter that needs your help here.

My favorite animal shelter is Wayside Waifs where I have been a volunteer since 2010. 

GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

American Red Cross

"Give something that means something" when you get involved with the American Red Cross' campaign that aims to do just that. Peruse the list of charitable opportunities, which include vaccinating a child and buying phone cards for troops and offer up the ultimate present of selflessness.  I love volunteering for the Red Cross! 

The Salvation Army

Each holiday season, the Salvation Army amps up its fundraising efforts to help support the elderly, the homeless and other underserved populations. Find out how you can get involved with the Salvation Army's work to offer aid to those in need.

Toys for Tots

Marine Toys for Tots Foundation collects gifts for children who come from economically disadvantaged families. If you don't have a drop-off center near you, consider starting your own. Find out how you can get involved here.

United Way
Looking for an opportunity to donate money or time this holiday season? United Way offers both! There are nearly 1800 community based United Ways in 41 countries and territories. The United Way works to help individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability and healthy lives. Click here to learn more about the United Way.

There are many opportunities to volunteer or give over the holidays and year round! 

Thank you for donating your time or money to others! Happy Holidays!

Volunteering

Have I mentioned that volunteering is a blessing? When I am in a depressive mood nothing helps more than assisting others whether it's humans or four legged furry friends! It's a gift I cherish. Thank you American Red Cross and Wayside Waifs for enriching my life!

Volunteering at Fur Ball... Wayside Waifs annual charity event!

Not only do I volunteer for the Red Cross but I volunteer for Wayside Waifs. I mostly spend time with the cats but occasionally will cross over to the dog side to play with the puppies or take a dog or two out on a walk. Tonight was the annual fund raising event for Wayside Waifs. Fur Ball is Wayside Waifs largest fundraiser, raising funds that directly support life saving programs and services. Featuring a different theme each year, guests enjoy live entertainment, gourmet dinner, 18 hosted bars, amazing silent and live auctions, 100% of the proceeds from this event save thousands of abandoned, abused and homeless animals. Thank you to all of you who donated! The theme for this years Fur Ball was Bone-anza. Here some pics from the event: 

Surrounded by cuteness at the Fur Ball!

Free Kitten Kisses at the Kitten Corral!

I took the opportunity to snuggle with a kitty before I was needed at my station!

And not to be outdone by the kittens, there were free puppy hugs at the Puppy Lounge!

    

One of the items in the silent auction is this jewelry box. Wouldn't your cats or dogs bling look good in this box?

More auction items:

 

A tour of the Gala:

A peek inside the dinning area. It was a packed house!

Gary Lezak was our emcee again this year. Great Job Gary!!!

Our social media team hard at work behind the scenes. Great Job Amy and Lisa!

What a great night for Wayside Waifs, more than $470,000 was raised for the animals, AWESOME!!!

I am very fortune to be able to volunteer for 2 great organizations! Volunteering has been such a blessing for me!!! I can't wait to see what opportunities volunteering offers me in the future!