PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Morris Animal Refuge in Center City hosts the 28th Annual Fur Ball later this month. The event celebrates animal welfare and raises funds to support life-saving programs.
The Morris Animal Refuge was founded in 1874, by Elizabeth Morris. Today, the refuge provides a full range of preventive, protective, and adoption services for homeless animals, with about 1,200 animals passing through its doors each year.
Lewis Checchia, executive director of the Morris Animal Refuge, said the past few years have been difficult for animal welfare.
"Really some of the effects stem from COVID where there was quite frankly a lot of animals that were adopted, and certainly an amount of them didn't stick for whatever reason,” said Checchia.
“We are seeing an increase in the number of animals that are being surrendered, and when you have that, it affects a lot of shelters — certainly the length of stay, so animals stay longer which can complicate things.”
Morris works with its partners to save animals' lives. The refuge boasts a 97% save rate.
Organizers of the Fur Ball hope to raise $150,000 for the shelter this year. The event will take place on Friday, March 28, at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum.
The evening will feature dinner, dancing, an open bar, and a silent auction. Puppies and kittens will also be in attendance.
Ticket information can be found at MorrisAnimalRefuge.Org.