Fur Ball

A dinner auction to benefit the
Champaign County Humane Society

Friday September 26, 2008

Hilton Garden Inn
1501 South Neil Street - Champaign, IL

Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and entertainment - 6 - 7 PM
Silent Auction - 6 - 8:15 PM
Dinner - 7 - 8 PM
Live Auction begins - 8:15 PM

Tickets are $75.00 - call the shelter at 217-344-7297 for more information.

Don Heitler, a local favorite and nationally famous jazz keyboardist will delight Fur Ball guests with a variety of jazz tunes during the cocktail hour and silent auction.

Live Auction Items
(in progress - check back often!)
1.  The Exotic Feline Rescue Center Tour and Overnight Stay
Located in Center Point, Indiana, the Exotic Feline Rescue Center is a nationally recognized leader in big cat rescue, conservation, and care. This package includes an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour and overnight stay at the Center. You’ll meet the founder/operator of the Center, sleep in a guest apartment right next to tigers and panthers, watch the morning feeding, and more if you have an adventurous spirit!

2.  A Bacaro Experience

Invite 7 of your friends to join you in Bacaro’s private dining room for an evening guaranteed to please your palate.  Chefs Thad Morrow and Michael Miller will prepare an array of culinary delights from the Bacaro Tasting Menu and pair them with exceptional wines from Bacaro’s award-winning wine list.  Bacaro has been featured in Bon Appetite and Cucina Italiana magazines and has received awards from Wine Enthusiast magazine and Wine Spectator. 

Bacaro, 113 N. Walnut, Champaign

3.  Whinnies and Whispers Day at Crosswinds Equine Rescue

Crosswinds Equine Rescue Farm in Sidell, Illinois will host your group of 8 for an afternoon immersion experience! You will meet and greet rescued horses, observe a horse whispering demonstration, and participate in a nature walk on the farm.  Each guest will be able to ride a rescued Budweiser-bred Clydesdale!  Light refreshments, a complimentary rescued horse calendar and souvenir photograph of your group’s visit are also included.

4. Pizza Party for six
Back again by popular demand - the best pizza you'll ever have, baked in an authentic brick oven at the rural Sidney home of Harriett Weatherford and Tom Schaefges and their canine companions.  Tom will create a personalized pizza masterpiece using your selections from an array of fresh toppings and simple sauces.  This crust will melt in your mouth!  Everything is made lovingly by hand - just for you.  Treat five of your friends to this luscious pizza party that includes drinks and dessert.  You have not tasted real pizza until you've tried this.

5. Tickets to the Illinois vs Minnesota Game
Four tickets to the Game!  See Illinois vs. Minnesota on Saturday, October 11, 2008, 11:00 a.m.  Seats 23 through 26 in Row 10 of the West Balcony.

 

6. A Diamond necklace from M J Reed Jewelers

One 14k yellow gold Lady’s diamond pendant set in sixteen (16) princess cut diamonds .60ct tw, set on a 14k yellow gold 18”  box chain with lobster claw clasp.  Appraisal included.  Valued at $2,000.00.

7. Dinner at the Firehouse

The Champaign Fire Department welcomes you and three of your friends to dinner at the station house.  At Station 6 on Windsor Road, you’ll enjoy a tour of the firehouse and a sumptuous meal.

8. An Extraordinary Wine & Cheese Party for 10 

Join Jon and Judith Liebman, glass art collectors extraordinaire, as they host a private wine and cheese party at their home in Urbana and guide you on a tour of their fine collection.  Previously shown in an exhibit at the Krannert Art Museum, the Liebman collection and their knowledge of the art will amaze and delight!

9. One Week Stay Anywhere in the World at RCI Resorts
Need to get away?  Enjoy a 7-night stay at any RCI affiliated resort.  RCI is the world’s largest timeshare exchange company with over 2 million members and more than 3,900 affiliated resorts in nearly 100 countries.  At the RCI website, browse for your dream vacation locale.  Whether you enjoy mountains, beaches, golf, or shopping, you’ll find an RCI option that suits your needs.  And, best of all, there’s no need to worry about the dog--many U.S. and Canadian RCI affiliates are pet-friendly.

10. Why Cook . . .

 when someone else will do it for you?  Classic Events Catering will cater your personal appetizer party for up to twenty guests at the location of your choice.  From Crostini to Spring Rolls to Savory Pastries, Classic Events can provide an array of appetizers with unmatched presentation and style.

11. A Night In the Windy City

Why not turn your next day-trip to Chicago into an all-nighter?  This package includes a $100 gift certificate for dinner at Texas de Brazil, a Brazilian-style steakhouse in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.  After dinner, you can make yourself at home for the night at the Homewood Suites , right around the corner.  River North neighborhood is known for its art galleries, antiques, and nightlife.
 

12. NBA Basketball Game at Assembly Hall

A rare opportunity for basketfall fans to watch the pros play right here at home!  Two Tickets to the Bulls vs. Jazz NBA Basketball Game on Friday, October 17, 2008 at Assembly Hall.  Also included:  an autographed Picture of Deron Williams, and more.

13. Dinner Tasting & Wine Pairing for 6 at Radio Maria

A four-course tasting menu accompanied by two bottles of wine, paired with dinner and the palate of the bidder.  Prepared by Radio Maria's executive chef, Brian Wong, for a party of six, served in the restaurant's main dining room.  A reservation is required 2 weeks prior to the tasting.

14. A Visit From the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Wildlife Medical Clinic’s Resident Birds of Prey
Invite representatives of the Wildlife Medical Clinic and their birds of prey to a celebration, your kid’s school, or the venue of your choice.  Participants will learn about the natural history, husbandry and handling of the Wildlife Medical Clinic’s six resident birds of prey; Nokomis the great horned owl, Odin the red-tailed hawk, Penelope the eastern screech owl, Susie the Harris hawk, Noel the saw-whet owl, and Pistol the American kestrel.  Visits must be within a 50 mile radius of Champaign-Urbana.

15.  HGTV Dream House For Your Best Friend
This fabulous dog house was designed and built by the talented folks at HGTV as part of the 2007 Dream Home Give Away.  Although HGTV only gave away one human home, they gave away a few of these luxurious canine retreats and one of them found its way to us.  The sides are rough plank with dark brown trim.  The rustic truss over the entrance mirrors the front of the actual HGTV Dream House in Winter Park, Colorado.  Your canine friend will know just how much you love him when you give him the keys to his very own cozy get away. 

(CCHS recommends dog houses only as a special place where your dog can catch a nap and some shade; not as your dog’s primary residence.)