Two paws up and Mahalo for donating beds this quarter to:
- Kerstin Brosemer, DVM
- Lani Seiki
- Graham Seiki
- Linda and Bill Miitchell
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FurBall 2008 “Wizard of Paws”
Evening of Glamour, Great Success!
Click here to see pictures as a slideshow.
The Maui Humane Society’s FurBall 2008 “The Wizard of Paws” at the Wailea Marriott Resort and Spa has raised the bar
for fundraising galas on Maui. “Paws” director and event chair, Paul DeWitt Davis of Latitudes, created a magical evening
of “Old Hollywood” glamour
all to raise funds for Maui’s oldest animal welfare organization. Guests lucky enough to get tickets to the sold-out
event walked down the red carpet to popping paparazzi flashes. Linda Dorset, “MHS Pet Files” producer from Akaku, and
the always lovely Nancy Lee interviewed guests on “who they were wearing” and why they feel it is important to support
the mission of the Maui Humane Society and our orphaned animals.
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Ushers outfitted in 1930s fashion escorted guests down the yellow brick road and through a poppy field to the gates of
the Emerald City. Once they were asked to “State (their) business” and allowed to enter, guests were whisked away to
the magical land of PAWS, Maui’s version of ‘the Land of Oz’. The room sparkled with ruby slippers and dazzling emeralds
galore. Surrounded with glittering gems and glamorous guests, the land of Paws was a fabulous sight to behold.
When the elegantly bedecked crowd all settled in their seats, thunder and lighting filled the room. Sitting uneasily
in the darkened ballroom, the crowd went wild when the spotlight opened on Dorothy, our very own Alaka’i Paleka, KPOA’s
morning goddess, and her little Toto too. There was not a dry eye in the house when Ala sung “Over the Rainbow” to Toto,
an orphaned terrier from the Maui Humane Society, and the room full of animal lovers. Thanks to Ala’s plea, a warm and
caring guest agreed to give Toto a home for life.
Maui’s own “Hula Honeys” serenaded the crowd with lovely retro Hawaiian melodies, while the Marriott’s chefs out-did
themselves with a delicious dinner. The tantalizing aromas and “almost too beautiful to eat” desserts made mouths water
as attendees made their way through the wide array of cuisine.
“Wizard of Paws” guests took their chance to unlock the Emerald City Vault and win one of 11 pieces of dazzling gems,
including a 1.92 ct Columbian Emerald pendant valued at $7,900. Ecstatic whoops and clapping were heard across the room
whenever the key to a lucky winner turned in the lock. An evening highlight, the area surrounding the Emerald City Vault,
donated by Jeré Diamonds & Fine Jewelry and the Rainbow Mall, was definitely full of excitement!
FurBall 2008’s Silent Auction rivaled the retail stores of the prestigious Shops at Wailea. More than one hundred Maui
businesses and MHS supporters generously donated a tremendous assortment of goods and services, including hand-crafted
art pieces, hotel night stays, dinners, and spa treatments. Volunteer Georgie Rocha did an exquisite job designing the
layout of Maui Humane Society’s best silent auction yet.
MHS Chief Executive Officer, Jocelyn Bouchard, presented awards honoring those who exemplify the very mission of the
Maui Humane Society and go above and beyond demonstrating the strength, courage and commitment that encompasses the
human-animal bond. The Katherine Award was given to the MHS Animal Control Officers for their exceptional service to
our Maui community. There were many misty eyes and a standing ovation as the officers made there way to the stage and
the story of their dedication was shared with the room. Cheers abounded as Mani’ani’a, the “Iao Valley cliff dog”,
accompanied by her adopted parents, Jody and Kathy Sparks, received the Logan Award for her strength, determination and
ultimate survival of a truly heart-wrenching story. Trapped for weeks on a ledge on Mani’ani’a ridge in Iao Valley, the
starving and terrified poi dog was finally brought to safety following a harrowing rescue effort by Sparks, JD Wyatt of
Hawaii Nature Center, and others.
The live auction was lively as ever as “Dorothy” sold to the crowd, items featuring a diamond pendant from Baron & Leeds,
a Grand Wailea Stay and Spa Package, and a private catered dinner with actor Richard Chamberlain and director Martin Rabbett
at their Wailea estate. The live auction excitement culminated with the last item, a 2.5+ ct pavé diamond dog bone pendant
designed and hand-crafted for FurBall 2008 by David Fairclough of Topaz Goldsmith and Gallery. Everyone was on their feet
when a generous friend of MHS snapped it up for his lovely wife at more than the retail value of $8,500.
“I’ve always said FurBall is the best party on Maui” said Leslie Granat, philanthropist and FurBall sponsor, gesturing to
the dance floor that was packed with attendants dressed “to the nines”. Filled with fine food, good friends and a party-time
feel, the crowd wound down (or up!!!) the evening with dancing to the energetic sounds of Jimmy Mac and the Kool Kats.
“I don’t ever dance and then there I was moving and shaking too” said MHS Development Director Peter Tierney.
Thank you to all those sponsors, volunteers and guests of the MHS FurBall 2008 “Wizard of Paws ~ there’s no place like a home”!
The event was a huge success and we appreciate all of the support and dedication that made it so.
Please join us next year for FurBall 2009 “Cleocatra, Queen of the Nile ~ Where All Cats are Revered” on Saturday,
March 21st at the Wailea Marriott Resort & Spa!
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