The theme “Tails & Teal” for the 9th Annual VOCAL Furball presented by Lugano Diamonds blends the black-tie optional event with the mission of raising funds to help with the prevention of homeless pets in the area. The Furball is the principal fundraiser each year for the Voices of Change Animal League (VOCAL).
Everyone attending the 2025 Furball is encouraged to wear teal, the organization’s signature color. The Furball features an evening of elegance starting with a cocktail hour as guests begin arriving at 6pm. The menu, prepared by the award-winning chefs of World Equestrian Center, is designed to tantalize the taste buds. But be sure to save room for the exquisite dessert made especially for the gala.
Furball Info:
What: 2025 Furball “Tails & Teal” presented by Lugano Diamonds
When: Friday, February 21, 2025
Time: Doors open at 6pm to 10pm
Where: World Equestrian Center, 1284 NW 87th Ct Rd, Ocala, FL 34482 – Expo Center 1
Attire: Black-tie optional, everyone encouraged to wear the color teal
Cost: $150
Tickets: Purchase tickets online at vocalforpets.org
Details: The evening includes a cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, silent auction, live auction, meeting VOCAL ambassadors
More information: email furball@vocalforpets.org
Since 2015, VOCAL hosted the Furball as a way to spread awareness about the issue of homeless pets in the community and serve as a vehicle to support the ongoing work.
“What began as a desire to help stem the tide of homeless pets in our community 10 years ago has given birth to a vision that is much more comprehensive in its scope,” said Linda Norman, Co-Founder of VOCAL. “
Norman added, “Offering low-cost spay-neuter and shelter care to our community proved to be a good starting point, but we soon recognized that the sheltering system as we knew it needed to change.”
The goal for the 2025 Furball “Tails & Teal” is $250,000 with proceeds benefiting the ongoing work of VOCAL to provide services and resources aimed at decreasing the number of homeless pets.
“We advocate for unsheltered pets, provide practical support for good Samaritans who pick up strays because they want to help, and focus on keeping people and pets together whenever possible. We also support rescues and municipal shelters throughout the north central Florida area with food and low-cost spay-neuter services,” Norman said.
During the evening, guests will also have a variety of ways to support VOCAL including both a silent and a live auction showcasing a host of unique items. One item to be included in the Furball auction is a hand-crafted nine-feet tall dog house originally created for the community art project Barkitecture in 2008.
Norman describes the dog house as an exquisite work of art. The house, a replica of the three-story Chambliss House, circa 1891, located in the Ocala Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has never been outside. The house intended for a pooch includes sealed hard pine floors and novelty wood siding. Even the detailing of the roof matches the cedar shingles and copper flashings of the original house. The bidding on this one should be exciting! Who will it be?
In marking VOCAL’s 10th anniversary, the co-founders have a special presentation in store, along with recognizing sponsors throughout the evening.
“Pet overpopulation is a community problem that is being solved by a compassionate and caring community,” Norman said. “We are pleased to be a part of this and to have been a catalyst that helped drive the change we see today in animal welfare.”
Make sure to purchase your tickets soon for the 2025 Furball “Tails & Teal” presented by Lugano Diamonds at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. Tickets are $150 and include the cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres and dinner. Supporters unable to attend the Furball are encouraged to donate through the ticket site. For more information, email furball@vocalforpets.org.