Plans are underway for the upcoming 9th Annual VOCAL Furball “Tails & Teal” presented by Lugano Diamonds at World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL. Save the date of February 21, 2025 from 6-10pm to enjoy an evening centered on raising awareness and funds to assist the Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL) in their mission to prevent pets from becoming homeless in the community.
The elegant evening begins with a cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres before guests are seated to enjoy a succulent 3-course dinner prepared by the WEC culinary team, followed by a display of decadent desserts. In recent years the Furball has evolved into a premiere event, now hosted at WEC for the third year. Doors open at 6pm on February 21, 2025 for cocktail hour.
In grand style, the upcoming gala is sure to be a spectacular evening. Attire for the evening is black-tie optional and guests are encouraged to wear teal which is VOCAL’s signature color. And carrying out the theme “Tails and Teal,” there will be a few tails waging as guests interact with animals that are up for adoption.
VOCAL will mark a decade of service to the community in 2025. The Furball is the signature fundraising event for VOCAL each year and the 2025 fundraising goal is set at $250,000. The 2024 goal was exceeded, so the organizers set the bar a little higher for 2025. All proceeds from the Furball will benefit the ongoing work of the organization in the mission of providing services and resources to decrease the number of homeless pets.
One of the main areas of focus for VOCAL is the community clinic providing low cost veterinary services which includes specialized surgeries along with spay and neuter procedures. VOCAL hosts monthly drive-thru shot clinics, Project FEED provides pet food for low-income families, and the Food Bank which helps supply food to rescue organizations and animal shelters. In the video on the website, Kate Rengel, co-founder of VOCAL, gives an example of the type of assistance the organization receives through community partnerships.
“Our partnership with Chewy is absolutely amazing. Every week we receive about two semi-truckloads full of donations. We work with R+L Carriers and they take the food from Chewy and bring it to our warehouse where the volunteers store all of the food,” Rengel said. “And then we distribute it to over 70 non-profit organizations. We want everyone who uses our services to know we appreciate them for coming out and we never want anyone to be afraid to ask for food for their pet or feel ashamed because they can’t afford food for their pet.”
The Furball will feature a live auction and a silent auction with spectacular items for guests to bid on during the evening. Guests will also be able to dance the night away as the DJ keeps the music playing.
Lugano Diamonds, with at presence at WEC, serves as the presenting sponsor of the annual Furball, a partnership formed almost three years ago.
Melissa Brandes, Vice President of Global Equestrian Sales & Director of Ocala Salon Sales, told the audience of the 2024 gala that “VOCAL is a wonderful organization.” Brandes added that she is blessed to be able to have partnerships like these that are so meaningful and be a part of a community like this in Ocala.
Sponsors will be recognized throughout the evening and VOCAL’s co-founders will have a special presentation to celebrate the organization’s 10th anniversary.
To learn more about VOCAL please visit vocalforpets.org or email furball@vocalforpets.org.
Tickets are now available for the 9th Annual Furball “Tails & Teal” presented by Lugano Diamonds. Each ticket is $150 and includes cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres and dinner. Supporters who are unable to attend Furball are encouraged to donate through the ticket site. Additional donations are greatly appreciated and can be made while purchasing tickets.
Content provided by Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL).