Fur Ball 2026 brings Vegas energy to a Philly mission
If you’ve ever wished a black-tie night out could actually change lives, Fur Ball 2026 is that rare kind of gala—high style, high heart, and built around the kind of “meet-cute” you’ll remember: time with adoptable animals who are ready for their forever homes. Morris Animal Refuge is hosting the 29th annual Fur Ball on Friday, March 13, celebrating more than 150 years of saving lives and raising the bar for animal welfare in Philadelphia. The goal this year is clear and urgent: raise $150,000 to support Morris’s mission of rescuing homeless, abandoned, and unwanted pets across the Greater Philadelphia region.
The vibe is intentionally glamorous, with a Las Vegas-inspired décor and atmosphere that invites you to lean into the fun while staying anchored to the cause. Fur Ball 2026 is the shelter’s largest in-person fundraiser, and the night is designed to feel like a proper event—fine fare, dancing, libations, and those heartwarming interactions with furry friends that somehow make the whole room soften, even in heels and tuxes.
Fur Ball 2026 at 2300 Arena sets the full night schedule
This year’s Fur Ball 2026 takes over South Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena at 2300 S Swanson St, Philadelphia, PA, with a VIP cocktail reception running from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by the main event from 7 to 10 p.m. General admission starts at $225 per person, and VIP tickets are available for $275 for those who want to stretch the celebration a little further.
General admission to Fur Ball 2026 includes a three-hour open bar, cuddling time with adoptable furry friends, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and a seated dinner courtesy of 12th Street Catering. The night is hosted by Matt Cord—beloved announcer at Sixers games and WMMR’s newest radio host—which immediately tells you this won’t be a sleepy ballroom situation. The soundtrack comes courtesy of Sir Charles Entertainment, and the entertainment lineup is stacked with up-close illusions and an unbelievable magic show by mentalist Shimshi, which feels perfectly on-theme for a night that’s equal parts spectacle and surprise.
At the center of it all is Morris Animal Refuge’s long story of showing up for animals when it matters most. As Lewis Checchia, Executive Director of Morris Animal Refuge, puts it: “For over 150 years, Morris Animal Refuge has been saving lives and finding forever homes for Philadelphia’s lost and abandoned animals. This year’s Fur Ball not only celebrates our historical achievements but also emphasizes our commitment to continue rescuing homeless, abandoned, and unwanted pets for the next 150 years.” That quote lands because it frames the night the right way—celebration, yes, but also the work ahead.
Morris Animal Refuge has been doing this work since 1874, providing innovative care for cats, dogs, and other small animals while achieving a 98% save rate and facilitating over 1,000 adoptions annually. Their programs include the Community Cat Program, which has spayed/neutered and returned over 500 community cats, and the Philly Pets Program, offering veterinary care and support to pet owners in underserved areas.
Fur Ball 2026 makes giving feel exciting and tangible
What I appreciate about Fur Ball 2026 is how it turns fundraising into something participatory instead of passive. The Las Vegas-inspired setting isn’t just for visuals; it’s a built-in invitation to play along while supporting the refuge. Throughout the evening, attendees can bid on exclusive silent auction items—think tickets to the Philadelphia Flyers and gift cards to popular restaurants and bars—plus grab entries for the 50/50 raffle, and contribute through the live-auction style Fund the Mission moment that puts Morris’s lifesaving work front and center in real time.
And if you can’t make it on March 13, Fur Ball 2026 still gives you multiple ways to show up. You can contribute through Fund the Mission, bid in the silent auction on items and experiences ranging from unique art pieces to getaway packages, or participate in the 50/50 raffle where half supports Morris and the other half could come home with you. There’s also the simplest option—direct giving—where any general donation supports vital programs like the Lifesaver Fund, the Fostering Program, and the Adoption Program. That mix matters because it meets people where they are: gala guest, online bidder, raffle dreamer, or straight-up donor.
The night also honors the people and partners who move animal welfare forward. Fur Ball 2026 includes recognition moments like the Elizabeth Morris Award, celebrating leaders in animal care who embody the spirit of rescue, and the Bill Lucia Award, presented to those who’ve made significant advancements in animal health and medical care at Morris Animal Refuge. It’s a reminder that rescue is a team sport—part compassion, part systems, part relentless follow-through.
Grace Erikson, Director of Development and Marketing, captures the gratitude behind the glamour: “We are incredibly grateful to all of our supporters, who help ensure that we can continue our lifesaving work. This year’s Fur Ball will be a memorable celebration of the past, present, and future of Morris Animal Refuge.” That’s the soul of the night. Fur Ball 2026 is a party with a purpose—and if you’ve ever wanted your night out to mean something, this is the one to circle.
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