Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals hosts the Jersey Shore’s first “fur” ball for people and their pups–supports the work of New Jersey’s neediest animal rescue groups.
Long Branch (August 30, 2010) – Join the Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals this fall at the Blue Moon Bark Ball, the Jersey Shore’s first black-tie optional gala for people AND their pooches! Hosted by Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch, NJ, the “Fur Ball” fundraiser will take place on Saturday, October 9th, from 6-10pm, with proceeds supporting New Jersey’s neediest animal rescue organizations. Enjoy signature “Blue Muttini” cocktails and open bar, surf and turf dinner, dancing with music by East Coast favorite, the Eddie Bruce Band, auctions of unique and luxurious prizes for you and your pet and a King and Queen of the Ball Awards.
Tickets are $200 per person and canine companions are free. Table reservations, journal advertisements, and sponsorships are available. Visit http://www.purrnpoochfoundation.org to purchase tickets online as reservations are limited. Journal advertisements are due by September 17. Contact Event Co-Chair Jean Hager at 732-693-3080 for more information. “The Blue Moon Bark Ball is sure to be a stellar event! Dogs will feast on specially prepared cuisine and dance the two-step with their family and four-legged friends, while raising important funds to help less fortunate animals in desperate need of sanctuary, protection, care, and love,” Jean Hager, Co-Chair, Blue Moon Bark Ball & Treasurer, Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals.
The very “pupular” Eddie Bruce Band features concert quality vocalists and masterful musicians who drive guests to the dance floor. Lead performer Bruce will also showcase his newest cd, “Bruce on Bennett”, a loving vocal tribute to Tony Bennett featuring a jazz influenced singer and piano, bass, drums and guitar. Event Honorary Chairs are Dick and Mary Palazzo of Monmouth Beach and the Bark of the Ball and Honoree is Grace, a German Shepherd recently rescued and rehabilitated by Dick Palazzo and foster owner Chris O’Rourke of Red Bank.
Dick Palazzo, a widely regarded trainer and behaviorist, asked a New Jersey shelter to give a German Shepherd deemed aggressive and marked for death “thirty days of grace” to stay alive so he may restore her trust and confidence in people. He worked hand-in-paw with the rescue, who he later named Grace. This story of hope inspired daughters Koren and Betsy to establish the Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals on the special occasion of the 40th Anniversary of Purr’n Pooch, their father’s luxury boarding and daycare business. To this day, Grace has been wonderful and although happy endings for needy animals are far too uncommon, her story has given the Foundation the same thing Dick gave Grace – hope. “Blue Moon, you saw me standing alone. Without a dream in my heart, without a love of my own.” Rogers & Hart, 1934, “The lyrics from this nostalgic love song depict the first meeting of our father and a two-year old German Shepherd marked for death at an animal shelter. The emaciated, yet still beautiful dog had been branded as “aggressive”, but when our father looked into her soft brown eyes, he knew that she was simply misunderstood. This is one of the many stories that have inspired us to found the Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals,” said Koren Spaddavechia and Betsy Palazzo, Trustees, Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals.
The Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals is dedicated to providing financial support and educational resources to non-profit, no-kill animal rescue groups and organizations. The Purr’n Pooch Foundation supports all species of animals, including but not limited to companion pets, farming animals and wildlife. The Board of Trustees include: President Betsy Palazzo, Vice President Koren Spadavecchia, Treasurer Jean Hager, Secretary Maryann Small and Trustee Shannon Gance. The Purr’n Pooch Foundation for Animals is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Visit http://www.purrnpoochfoundation.org for more information or to make a donation to support the worthy efforts of New Jersey based non-profit, no-kill animal rescue groups and organizations.
