The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland had a big announcement at a highly productive Fur Ball that raised $60,000 for animal care: They’re two-thirds of the way to raising $6.5 million for a new, state-of-the-art shelter on the existing property.

“This event is growing,” said board member Josh Lapierre. “And that shows how important it is, especially with the upcoming venture of the new building.”

“This is our biggest attendance ever. It’s phenomenal,” said board member Kathleen Reid.

Thirty people volunteered to run the Fur Ball, which drew almost 300 people to the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. The Jim Ciampi Trio set a jazzy tone during the cocktail party and silent auction. After heavy hors d’oeuvres, a long line formed for custom-designed animal cupcakes by Kreative Kakes as animal lovers tried to find a cupcake topped with a schnauzer or parrot or calico cat.

“Very classy,” said Melanie Wiker of South Portland. “Very well done.”

Most of the money raised will go toward care of the 4,000 or so animals that come through ARLGP’s doors each year. This includes spaying and neutering, medical care, humane education and “everything animals need to be happy, healthy and well,” said executive director Patsy Murphy.

“The Animal Refuge League is known to many in the community as the place to find a new family member,” said board president Kevin Mahoney. And, for many people, that bond continues long after the animal leaves the shelter.

“Both our cats are from the Refuge League, and we live about ¼ mile from there, so we drop off food and money whenever we can,” said Benjamin Roehrl, wearing a pocket square with a paw-print pattern.

“The adoption process is so important, and it’s amazing how well run it is,” said meteorologist Tom Johnston, who co-hosts the Sunday morning “Fetch ME a Home” segment on Channel 6 with Jackie Ward. “But I could tell they were ready for a larger facility.”

At the current shelter, an average of 150 animals per day are housed in tight quarters. The new facility will allow cats to roam freely in a more home-like environment.

“The shelter’s backyard is our backyard, and we’ve been trying to help them with their fundraising for expansion,” said Phil Gerhardt. He and his wife, Lisa, have two dogs, including a rescue dog.

“Tonight we want to garner lots of support and friend-raise as well as fundraise,” said volunteer coordinator Sophia Bahlkow, who has three dogs of her own.

“It’s a terrific shelter,” said Judy Gailen, a volunteer dog walker. “It really is.”

“We’re lucky to live in a community where we have such support for animal welfare,” said Jean Kimball, who helps families through the process of cat adoption.

Amy Paradysz is a Scarborough-based freelance writer who adopted a tuxedo cat from ARLGP. She can be contacted at:

amyparadysz@gmail.com

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