Dallas, September 13, 2025
News Summary
The SPCA of Texas successfully raised more than $490,000 at its annual Fur Ball patron party. The event, attended by over 450 guests, coincided with a critical animal rescue effort in response to severe flooding in Central Texas. Almost 200 adoptable cats and dogs were flown into North Texas to aid overwhelmed shelters, while the fundraising event included animal interactions and highlighted the urgent need for support in animal welfare during crises.
Dallas — The SPCA of Texas reported raising more than $490,000 at its annual Fur Ball patron party on August 27, 2025, an event held as rescue organizations responded to severe flooding in Central Texas that strained shelter capacity across the region. The fundraising success came alongside a coordinated animal rescue and relief effort that included nearly 200 adoptable cats and dogs flown into North Texas to relieve overwhelmed shelters in flood-affected areas.
Key outcomes: fundraising and emergency animal relief
The patron party, attended by more than 450 guests, generated in excess of $490,000 for the SPCA of Texas’ programs and services. The event featured a puppy “Cuddle Zone” during cocktail hour and concluded with dancing led by the Georgia Bridgwater Orchestra. The party’s menu included achiote grilled filet and tequila-roasted shrimp among other accompaniments.
Concurrently, relief organizations worked to address an urgent animal welfare crisis caused by widespread flooding in Central Texas. Nearly 200 adoptable animals were transported to North Texas via Meacham Airport in Fort Worth as part of flights coordinated by the nonprofit Wings of Rescue. The flights also delivered supplies such as pet food and blankets to shelters in hard-hit communities, including San Marcos.
Rescue logistics and shelter support
Wings of Rescue facilitated flights to remove adoptable animals from shelters experiencing overflow and to deliver critical supplies. Volunteers from the Humane Society of North Texas packed thousands of supplies for distribution to flood-impacted shelters. The coordinated effort aimed to create space in local facilities so displaced animals and pets affected by flooding could be sheltered.
Organizations on the ground warned that some areas faced dire circumstances, with the possibility that adoptable dogs could have to be euthanized if shelter capacity was not increased. In response, the Humane Society of North Texas and Wings of Rescue continued to coordinate rescue flights and requested public assistance through fostering and donations to support ongoing operations.
Event details and attendees
The SPCA of Texas hosted a patron party on August 27, 2025, at the estate of Kathy and Harlan Crow. The gathering drew local philanthropic figures and community supporters, including representatives from area foundations and hospitality groups. Several previous organizers and volunteers attended, reflecting continuity in the organization’s fundraising community.
The evening’s program combined social elements with philanthropy, offering guests opportunities to interact with animals, participate in fundraising activities, and celebrate the organization’s work. Event co-chairs and former committee members were present and acknowledged by SPCA leadership, and the program included recognition of award recipients connected to animal welfare leadership in the region.
Upcoming Fur Ball gala and awards
The SPCA of Texas announced that the main Fur Ball gala is scheduled for September 19, 2025, to be held at the Frontiers of Flight Museum and chaired by Kristin Hallam and James Hallam. The Mary Spencer Award is planned to be presented to Peter Brodsky, former Chair of the Dallas Animal Services Commission, on the same date. SPCA leadership indicated that more significant animal welfare initiatives and developments will be announced at the gala.
Community response and calls to action
Local rescue groups urged residents to support relief efforts through fostering, donations, and volunteering. The coordinated flights and supply deliveries were part of a larger regional response to free up shelter space for displaced pets and to provide supplies where access was limited by flood conditions. Organizers emphasized the need for sustained community support while rescue and relief operations continue.
Background and context
The Fur Ball patron party acts as a lead-in to the SPCA of Texas’ signature fundraising gala, drawing donors and community leaders each year to support animal welfare initiatives. In 2025, the event occurred against the backdrop of severe weather impacts in Central Texas, which increased demand on animal shelters and prompted multi-organizational rescue responses. The involvement of air rescue nonprofit Wings of Rescue and local humane societies reflects growing use of transport and logistics to redistribute adoptable animals during regional emergencies.
FAQ
What amount was raised at the patron party?
The patron party raised more than $490,000 for the SPCA of Texas.
How many people attended the event?
More than 450 attendees participated in the patron party held on August 27, 2025.
How many animals were transported to North Texas?
Nearly 200 adoptable cats and dogs were flown into Meacham Airport in Fort Worth to assist shelters overwhelmed by flooding.
Which organizations coordinated the relief flights?
Wings of Rescue organized transport flights and delivered supplies, working alongside the Humane Society of North Texas and other local volunteers.
When and where is the main Fur Ball gala scheduled?
The Fur Ball gala is planned for September 19, 2025, at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, chaired by Kristin Hallam and James Hallam.
How can members of the public help?
Rescue organizations requested public support through fostering, donations, and volunteering to help shelter animals and support continued rescue flights and supply deliveries.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Funds raised | > $490,000 |
| Patron party date | August 27, 2025 |
| Patron party attendees | > 450 |
| Animals transported to North Texas | Nearly 200 cats and dogs |
| Relief flights and supplies | Wings of Rescue flights; supplies delivered to San Marcos and other affected areas |
| Main Fur Ball gala | September 19, 2025 — Frontiers of Flight Museum |
| Mary Spencer Award recipient | Peter Brodsky (to be presented Sept. 19, 2025) |
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Additional Resources
- NBC DFW: North Texas Groups Help Clear Hundreds of Adoptable Pets
- D Magazine: Scenes from SPCA of Texas Paws Cause 2025
- Fox 4 News: 74 Birds Seized from Cockfight
- CBS News: Dallas Foundation Grants for Animal Welfare
- Wikipedia: Animal Welfare
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
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