Kitten Rescue’s 16th Annual Fur Ball Gala: A Purr-fect Night of Glamour and Compassion

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 29, 2024 — Philanthropically minded feline fans will once again strike their best paw-parazzi poses on the red carpet for the 16th annual Kitten Rescue Los Angeles Fur Ball at the Skirball gala event. Set for Saturday, September 7, 2024, at the Skirball Cultural Center in L.A. This highly anticipated event marks the organization’s 27th year of dedicated service to saving the lives of at-risk cats and kittens in the City of Angels.

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we deeply appreciate the generous support of the Los Angeles community that allows us to save more animals, celebrate our accomplishments, and honor a worthy recipient with the Angel Award,” said Sandra Harrison, Executive Director of Kitten Rescue Los Angeles. “The Fur Ball gala is more than just a fundraiser; it’s a gathering of creative, vibrant, and compassionate individuals who share a common love for cats and animal rescue,” Harrison added.

An Evening of Glamour and Goodwill

The gala promises an unforgettable night full of entertainment, compassion, and celebration. Attendees can look forward to:

• A photo-worthy red carpet arrival
• An enchanting outdoor cocktail hour featuring live music
• A delectable plant-based dinner that’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning palates
• A silent auction showcasing unique items and experiences
• A luxurious gift bag filled with exciting goodies for all attendees

Among the 300 expected attendees, it should be no surprise to encounter familiar faces such as social media celebrity Nathan Kehn, @nathanthecatlady, a passionate cat lover and staunch supporter of the welfare of our cherished feline friends, who regularly attends the event.

Esteemed Host: Mark Thompson

Mark Thompson, a distinguished figure in American broadcasting, will emcee the event. Thompson,  a two-time Emmy award winner, veteran newscaster, radio talk show personality, prominent voice-over artist, and television show host brings a wealth of experience and charisma to the Fur Ball Gala. He currently hosts “The Mark Thompson Show” on YouTube, discussing politics, current events, show business, and popular culture. Thompson’s background in environmental reporting and his active support for various philanthropic causes, including animal advocacy, make him an ideal host for this feline-focused fête.

Honoring Heroes: The Angel Award

A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Angel Award to Officer Armando “Nav” Navarrete in recognition of his work with the Los Angeles Animal Services Specialized Mobile Animal Rescue Team (LAAS SMART). Navarrete was instrumental in creating LAAS SMART and continues to serve as the team leader.

Under Navarrete’s leadership, the team responds to animal rescue emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Navarrete and his team are pioneers and innovators in modifying concepts and equipment designed for human urban search and rescue for animal emergencies. In 2016, a multi-award-winning Justin Zimmerman documentary film shared the story of Navarrete and the SMART team.

Supporting a Noble Cause

All proceeds from the Fur Ball Gala will directly support Kitten Rescue’s mission to save, rehabilitate, and find loving homes for abandoned and at-risk cats and kittens in the Los Angeles area. The organization’s work has touched countless lives, both feline and human, over its 27-year history.

Robert Klieger, a prominent entertainment litigation attorney at Hueston Hennigan law firm, and long-time supporter of the organization is a Fur Ball event sponsor again this year. Klieger shared his deep personal connection: “I adopted my first cat, Abbey, from Kitten Rescue Los Angeles in 1998. I will always cherish my 21 years with Abbey and am forever grateful to Kitten Rescue for bringing her into my life. I am proud to support them this and every year.”

How to Participate

Tickets for this inspiring event can be purchased at https://2024furball.givesmart.com. The dress code is cocktail attire, but in true LA fashion, guests are encouraged to express their personal style – perhaps with a touch of feline flair!

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a joyous celebration of feline welfare and human compassion. Join Kitten Rescue on September 7th for an evening that promises to be fun-filled and deeply meaningful. It’s sure to be the cat’s meow!