Furball gets 'tremendous' turnout

News-Times/Terrance Armstard: Melody Hailton of Huttig bids on items while attending the UCAPS Furball fundraiser at the American Legion Hall.
News-Times/Terrance Armstard: Melody Hailton of Huttig bids on items while attending the UCAPS Furball fundraiser at the American Legion Hall.

Supporters of the Union County Animal Protection Society turned out in a grand fashion Saturday night to show their support for the animals of Union County at this year’s Furball fundraiser.

Patrons were treated to a night full of great food, live music, and dancing. The annual mardi gras-themed event was held at the American Legion Hall in El Dorado. The hall was adorned with carnival colored beads and balloons.

Attendees donned a wide variety of looks from floor-length ball gowns and tuxedos to jeans and camouflage. All ages of party-goers were treated to a night packed with entertainment. Sonic Groove of El Dorado provided the live music for the night with renditions of many well-known hits.

A silent auction featuring over 100 pieces of local artwork, crafts, and other items donated by local businesses and artists was open for bidding throughout the event. Paintings by Sandy Bennett, handmade pet beds and silverware bracelets by Raynelle “Tootie” Roeder, and various leather crafts were just some of the great items up for sale. A live auction was also held for a custom-painted Arkansas Razorbacks chair.

Items made by Arkansas Department of Corrections inmates with the Paws in Prison program were also available for purchase at the event. The program allows dogs from UCAPS to be trained by inmate handlers in order to ready them for adoption. Proceeds for the inmate-made items, which included bead and leather crafts, wooden jewelry chests, and personalized clocks, will be used to help fund the program.

“The turnout tonight is tremendous. I’m super pleased about the participation from people throughout the county in the silent auction,” said Sandy Maguire, UCAPS Board President. “We’ve always done very well with the citizens of El Dorado helping out. They’ve always shown their support but this year, Smackover was also tremendous and almost every business in Strong donated something to the event.”

The Furball is UCAPS primary fundraiser of the year according to Maguire.

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