18th Annual Puss ‘n Boots Ball

• October 5, 2009

FUN EVENT FOR FURRY FRIENDS

18th Annual Puss ‘n Boots Ball set for October 24

Come in costume, come as you are; but however you’re dressed, be prepared to have a howling good time at the Friends of the Animal Shelter’ (FOTAS) 18th Annual Puss ‘n Boots Ball on October 24 at the Historic Ashland Armory. This colorful event, voted “most fun fundraiser” by readers of a local magazine, traditionally attracts a high-spirited group of animal lovers from all over Southern Oregon and Northern California.

Last year more than 220 attended the event that raised about $24,000. All the proceeds went to support FOTAS programs including a medical fund for Shelter animals needing special medical treatment to make them healthy and adoptable. Peggy Moore, current FOTAS president, stresses that this year, since the Shelter receives no General Fund money from the county, FOTAS again will help with medical support as well as “Two-Fur-One,” a program that saves the lives of cats and kittens by paying a second adoption fee.

FOTAS also funded and helps the Shelter maintain a fenced play yard for dogs and the Slim Jim dog-walking path. More than 210 active FOTAS volunteers care for animals at the Shelter. They also maintain photo-boards at locations featuring adoptable pets; provide foster homes for dogs or cats needing temporary special attention; and participate in educational programs.

This year’s Puss ‘n Boots Ball has many attractive features, including a gourmet dinner buffet by Quality Catering from Cafe Dejeuner. There will also be a cash bar with a great selection of fine wines and spirits and dancing to the music of The Rogue Suspects. This well-known local group has an eclectic mix of Texas-style shuffles combined with East-Coast jazz, an old rock’n roller on bass and a Motown drummer. Costume prizes will be awarded to best group, couple, or animal-theme costumes; and the most creative, scary and unusual costumes. Participants will have the chance to bid on hundreds of items donated by regional businesses and artisans during a silent auction. FOTAS is also doing a second year of live auction items featuring, among others, vacation getaways to the Siskiyou Mountains, Ashland, and the Pistol and Smith River areas; and a beautiful hand-made quilt with a dog theme.

The fun starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 24 at the Historic Ashland Armory, 208 Oak Street, Ashland. Tickets are $35 per person; $315 for a table of 10. Advance tickets go on sale October 1 at Paddington Station in Ashland or by calling 541-821-8291. Early purchase of tickets is encouraged, as the event often sells out.

Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS) is a non-profit organization that supports the programs of the Jackson County Animal Shelter. Their mission is to increase pet adoption, to improve the quality of life for Shelter animals, and to promote spay/neuter. For more information please visit their website at www.fotas.org, call 541-774-6646 or email them at fotas@mind.net.

Event Location:

Historic Ashland Armory

208 Oak Street, Ashland, OR

Event Contact Information: Advance tickets available at Paddington Station in Ashland or by calling 541-821-8291

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