A PAWS-itively Perfect Gala

Dec 13, 2021

With a doggie buffet, “pawdicures,” and dogs donning their finest bowties, tuxes, tutus and boas, the PAWS Chicago Fur Ball is undoubtedly the most playful — and adorable — black-tie gala in town. This November, we marked 20 years of our signature event at the Drake Hotel, as more than 500 pet lovers and 150 pets enjoyed music, dancing, gourmet food, cocktails, and a live auction while raising funds to help Chicago’s pet population thrive.

“The best part of the Fur Ball is being with people who love and celebrate animals,” says Nancy Santi, co-chair of the event. “They adore their own pets, but are also willing to be there to help the thousands of animals who aren’t as fortunate as their own. We’re all there with the shared goal of supporting the incredible work of PAWS Chicago.”

As an event co-chair, Nancy and the team spent months working with PAWS staff and volunteers to create a gathering that celebrates our supporters and our animals, while also raising critical funds to support our essential services into the next year and beyond

Nancy is a member of the PAWS Chicago Board of Directors and the PAWS Chicago Development Board, a group of dedicated supporters that are charged with providing, facilitating, and securing the resources needed to fund our life-saving programs. They also serve as ambassadors of PAWS and homeless animals, raising awareness and communicating our mission in local professional, civic, and social circles. Their involvement is a critical part of our No Kill mission.

“One goal of mine is to introduce Chicagoans to the incredible outreach of PAWS in our underserved communities — including our state-of-the-art medical center in Little Village. These initiatives not only provide free and low-cost care to animals as well as community education, but they are a model for the nation as the country’s largest and most advanced medical hospital for homeless pets,” Nancy says. “I was in awe when I saw the line outside the medical center one morning; people holding their pets, waiting to receive care. Knowing every ticket, every bid, every donation goes toward saving a life — it’s the most rewarding work of all.”

To join our Development Board, and become part of this highly engaged and impactful group, click here.