Doors open at 6 p.m. and the fun continues until 10 p.m. in the showroom at Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota, 2723 Fifth Ave. S.

Andrea Bodholdt, president of the Almost Home Board of Directors, said the annual event is the main fundraiser for the year. The 2022 event raised about $33,000. This year she’s hoping to meet a goal of at least $40,000.

Funds raised help with the operating expenses for the shelter.

“It helps pay for everyday expenses,” she said. “Food, vet bills, medication, vaccinations, microchips, electricity, water. We don’t receive any city help, We rely on the community.”

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Jessica McClintock, of Fort Dodge, performs during the 12th annual Fur Ball last year at the Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota dealership.

Last year’s event was the first held in person after the worst of the COVID crisis had passed. There were a few growing pains.

“It was both good and bad,” she said. “We ran out of food.”

New this year is Pet Trivia.

“It’s replacing the Bingo,” she said. “The questions will feature fun facts about dogs and cats as well as the shelter. We will have two rounds of two games. It’s $10 for a table with up to six people and the winners get prizes.”

The 50/50 raffle as well as several other raffles will also be featured with tickets priced at $1, $2 or $5 depending on the raffle.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Claire Holder, 9, of Fort Dodge, plays bingo with her great aunt Jane Boyle during the 12th annual Fur Ball fundraiser last year.

“You don’t have to spend your life savings,” she said.“We want people to have fun.”

Of course, no event is complete without door prizes and there will be some of those.

There will also be at least 15 vendors.

“Some will have pet items, but we’re not limited to that,” she said.

Food this year is from Amigo’s. There will also be a cash bar.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Lady, a seeing eye dog, attends the 12th annual Fur Ball fundraiser last year at the Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota dealership.

Guests will also be able to meet one or two of the shelter dogs who are available for adoption. Out of concern for the animals’ welfare, they won’t be bringing any cats.

Guests will also be able to see some police dog action.

“At 6:15 Officer Dylan Samuelson with the Fort Dodge Police Department will be doing a canine demonstration,” she said. “It’s a great reason to get there when the doors open. He is on shift so we’re hoping nobody misbehaves and he gets called away.”

Tickets for the event are available at Almost Home, Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota, plus the Fort Dodge and Humboldt HyVee stores.

“We do have a special,” she said. “If you buy four you get one free.”

Advance tickets are $15 per person. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $20. Admission is $8 for guests under 18.

She also appreciates the hard work the Almost Home staff has put into helping her organize the event.

“A big thank you to the staff that has been working hard on this,” she said. “We couldn’t do it without them.”

She’s grateful for the help the community provides. The event has been held at Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota since its inception.

“Big kudos to them,” she said. “It’s a beautiful building to have a fundraiser in. They’ve been very generous to us.”

In addition, a number of local businesses have stepped up to help including Nestle Purina PetCare, CJ Bio America, Cargill and Elanco.

“They’re at the Mastiff level,” she said.

If You Go…

What: 13th annual Fur Ball to support the

Almost Home Animal Shelter

When: 6 p.m. March 18

Where: Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota,

2723 Fifth Ave. S.

Tickets: $15 in advance at Almost Home, Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota and Hy-Vee stores in Fort Dodge and Humboldt.

Tickets are $20 at the door.

Admission is $8 for those under 18.

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