Love Ball held to benefit Montgomery County Humane Society

The Montgomery County Humane Society pulled out all of the stops Saturday evening as they hosted their annual Love Ball at the Hyatt Regency Bethesda – and it had all the makings of a spectacular event!  This Gala is held annually to celebrate all of the compassionate work of volunteers and all animal-lovers, in saving homeless dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and other animals every year.

Everyone was in their best cocktail attire and many arrived with a dog, or two.  The festivities began with a cocktail reception and an opportunity for guests to view and bid on numerous products and services, ranging from artwork to vacation trips, that had been donated by local and national companies.   A very talented caricaturist was also on hand to draw portraits of people and their dogs.

Dan and Kelly Blankfeld arrived with Anna a, 14 year-old Pit Bull, who was representing the “pack” of the Blankfeld’s three dogs, two Pit Bulls and one Boxer Bull Mastiff.  This was the second year that Kelly has served on the Love Ball committee as the person in charge of the auctions.

Another early arrival to the Gala was Ellie Slotkin who brought Lexi, a Malti-Poo.  She explained that shortly after moving to the DC area with her husband three years ago she was interested in volunteering with a charity, so she did some research on non-profit organizations and found the Humane Society.  Ellie remarked, “Everyone that I met at the MCHS from the Volunteer Coordinator to the Events Coordinator was wonderful and easy to work with, so I decided that this would be my number one charity, and the one for which I would volunteer my time”

Ellie went on to say, “My major responsibility as a volunteer was to gather many of the silent auction items from area businesses.  We were very fortunate this year that many local businesses in Montgomery County were extremely generous in donating items, from restaurants to hair salons.  In my opinion I think that the auction looks even better than ever before – one of the most exciting year’s we’ve had yet.  The MCHS also has a new Special Events Coordinator, Juliana Willems, who is wonderful and our committee has been just outstanding.”

Petros Voskerchian one of the evenings honored guests arrived at the Hyatt escorting Friend, an Australian Shepherd who had been rescued by the Humane Society.  Petros was being honored at the evenings ceremonies as the number one Veterinarian.

Debra Robinson and her boyfriend Jody Kenote attended the Love Ball with Debra’s 5 year old, “son” Benji. Debra explained, “I first saw him at the house of a friend who was a breeder and Benji was very shy and had a big head.  I didn’t think anyone was going to take him.  My friends kept on saying to me that with my lifestyle I couldn’t possibly handle a dog.  But, every time I went over to my friend’s house Benji would walk over to me and tug on my heartstrings, so I decided to take him home.”  Debra chuckled as she said, “I’m eventually going to have a Bark Mitzvah for Benji”.   Jody added, “Me and Benji get along great”.   Debra is an avid animal advocate and dog-lover and was quick to add, “Eventually I would like to buy some land in the country and rescue dogs”.

Among the many other guests that attended the Love Ball Gala with their dogs were Leslie Casaya with her Pomeranian Sophie, Vickie Quezada with her 83 pound, Pit Bull Labrador mix Chino, Pat Culpepper with Lily a 10 year old, Standard Poodle, Mitzy Harp and Sarah Yassin with Bridget Victoria, Cathy Corbin with her Yorkie, Lilly, and Tony and Sherri Bruno who had traveled from Philadelphia with Seamus and Profittarollie.

Once everyone was in the ballroom this year’s emcee Sue Palka, FOX5 weather forecaster kicked off the evening with opening remarks, and was followed by Cris Bombaugh, President and CEO MCHS, who recognized and honored individual attendees for their devoted work.  She also gave her heartfelt thanks on behalf of the Montgomery County Humane Society to all who worked tirelessly throughout the year in their efforts to rescue and save the lives of thousands of animals in need.

The Montgomery County Humane Society is the largest animal welfare organization in Montgomery County, providing shelter and care to thousands of homeless animals every year.  They offer a full range of services including foster care, rescue network placements, adoption counseling, behavior seminars, bereavement support, humane education, community outreach, volunteer training and much more.  The Love Ball is one of MCHS’ biggest fundraisers, with proceeds supporting all of these vital programs and services.

For more information visit their website at…

http://www.mchumane.org/index.shtml

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