October 14th, 2012 
Fun at the Blackjack table (Photo credit: Albert Evangelista Photography)
Animal lovers and Hollywood stars participated in Kitten Rescue’s fifth annual Fur Ball fundraiser Sunday, October 7. This year’s event, All In – For Animals, was held at the historic club Avalon located at 1735 Vine Street in Hollywood. The Avalon is an entertainment facility embodying the glamour of the past while embracing the future of Hollywood.
The consummate concert venue and nightclub, has been a dance club featuring the largest pool of stars such as: Prince, Madonna, The Rolling Stones and many more that regularly came to party at the Avalon. For this occasion, Kitten Rescue held their star-studded celebrity Fur Ball poker tournament and casino night, raising funds and awareness about Kitten Rescue’s hard work to save cats and dogs in Los Angeles. Over the last 15 years, they have saved the lives of over 12,000 cats and kittens and continue to give hope and safety to abandoned and homeless cats and dogs in Los Angeles.
Among the night’s highlights, Kitten Rescue honored TV Personality Jackson Galaxy of Animal Planet’s “My Cat from Hell” (cat behaviorist) for his advocacy work, as well as Kitten Rescue’s board member and Volunteer of the Year Sandra Harrison.
Kitten Rescue President Ben Lehrer with Jackson Galaxy of Animal Planet’s “My Cat from Hell” (Photo Credit: Albert Evangelista Photography)
Joining them in a night’s parade of stars contributing to the cause were Christa Campbell – (“Drive Angry”, “The Mechanic”), Christopher Massey (Nickelodeon’s “Zoey 101″), Jenifer Lewis (“Hereafter”, “Meet The Browns”, “Think Like A Man”), Justin Hopkins (recording artist / NBC’s hit show “The Voice”), Kate Linder (“The Young & The Restless”), Katrina Parker (recording artist / NBC’s hit show “The Voice”), Kyle Massey (Disney’s “That’s So Raven” and “Dancing with the Stars” finalist), Layla Kayleigh (TV host – “America’s Best Dance Crew” & “World Poker Tour”) Nestor Serrano (“24″, “Act of Valor”, “The Day After Tomorrow”), Sara Rue (“Less Than Perfect”, “Rules of Engagement”, “Malibu Country”), Shanna Moakler (“Pacific Blue”), Steve Covino (Sirius XM radio host), Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica”) and Laura Perloe (“Seeking a Friend for the End of the World”).
Kitten Rescue President Ben Lehrer with Volunteer of the Year and board member Sandra Harrison. (Photo Credit: Albert Evangelista Photography)
The night started in the Avalon’s lobby area with a group of dedicated supporters, stars, photographers, cocktails, hor d’oeuvres and a silent auction which included massage packages, jewels, gift baskets, loungewear and much more. Attendees took to the tables to support the cause and bid to a variety of items. Following an invitation into the majestic Avalon ballroom, guests were greeted by the sounds of DJ Kid Fish, a delicious vegan diner, gourmet vegan desserts, exquisite beverages and wines.
In the meantime, party goers tried their luck at the Blackjack, Roulette and Craps tables where they had a chance to win Spa, beauty, fashion and luxury items.
Jason Weiss’ winning hand (Photo Credit: Albert Evangelista Photography)
On the other hand, Poker enthusiasts competed against Kitten Rescue’s celebrity supporters in a battle for some very exclusive prizes. Concluding The All In – For Animals celebrity poker tournament, Kitten Rescue adopter Jason Weiss was crowned champion. The winner of the celebrity poker tournament got a fabulous vacation package which included a week-long stay at a beautiful villa in Forte Dei Marmi, Italy.
Kitten Rescue was founded by Sue Romaine in the spring of 1997 and has grown to become one of the largest and most respected animal welfare groups in Los Angeles. A non-profit, volunteer-run organization devoted to finding loving new homes for unwanted cats, kittens and dogs. Kitten Rescue places approximately 1,000 cats and kittens per year and since its inception, has placed over 10,000 into Los Angeles homes.
DJ Kid Fish (Photo Credit: Albert Evangelista photography)
Kitten Rescue’s fundraising events, such as this one, provides care for all of its rescued cats’ medical needs. Prior to adoption, every cat is spayed/neutered, tested for leukemia FIV, vaccinated and micro chipped. Kitten Rescue also offers education and assistance to the public regarding all aspects of responsible pet ownership, care of kittens and cats, the importance of spaying and neutering and the proper maintenance and care of feral cat colonies. During “kitten season”, volunteers teach bottle feeding classes for people who want to care for unweaned kittens and distributes City of Los Angeles spay/neuter coupons to members of the public.
Edwin Hodge and Jason Weiss (Photo Credit : Albert Evangelista Photography)
Kitten Rescue’s challenging work to save more than 12,000 lives continues as of today through this events and the kind generosity of volunteers /supporters who believe endangered cats and dogs in the Los Angeles area deserve a loving home. This year marks the 5th year of the annual Fur Ball fundraiser and poker tournament night where fun and caring supporters successfully joined “all in for animals”.
For more information about Kitten Rescue, donations or to volunteer please visit their website.
