Tri-County Animal Rescue Announces $2 Million Gift for New Hospital at Annual Doggie & Kittie Ball
Tri-County Animal Rescue held its 17th Annual Doggie & Kittie Ball to benefit canines and felines on April 14 at Boca West Country Club. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of a $2 million gift by philanthropist and long-time supporter Lois Pope. The announcement was made during a special tribute and the funds will help build the organization’s new animal hospital on the expanded campus.
During the Doggie and Kittie Ball, more than 500 guests enjoyed the old world “casino saloon” themed event which included gaming tables, a lavish dinner, and a silent auction and a live auction with auctioneer and MC Neil Saffer. The evening was capped with dancing to live entertainment by the Steve Chase Band, Dawn Marie and Alexandra Lewis. Vocalist Arni Steinberg performed in the sweet suite. The star attractions were the 10 Boca Raton firefighters who paraded with adoptable dogs down the red carpet. Three of the dogs were adopted on the spot.
“We’re so pleased and forever grateful for the trust that Lois Pope has so generously placed in our organization by making our vision for the Tri-County Animal Rescue clinic a reality,” said Sharon DiPietro, Board Chair and Doggie & Kittie Ball chair. “We are proud to have named the new hospital the ‘Lois Pope Pet Clinic.’ Lois has been supporting Tri-County for more than 20 years and her incredibly generous gift will enable us to save the lives of many more dogs and cats, now and in the future.”
The event chair was Sharon DiPietro. Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg and Sergio DoRosario served as honorary chairs. Silent auction co-chairs were Susan Merkel and Laurie Udine. Long time Tri-County supporter, Jeri Caprio, was the recipient of the Jeanette Christos award. The Grand Marshal Doggie was Figi, owned by Jeff Zapeolan and the Grand Marshal Kittie was Addison, owned Ted Campbell.
“It was high energy from the time guests walked in the door until they left and we had an additional element of excitement this year. Guests could dance in two different rooms and there were gaming tables in two rooms, as well,” said Ms. DiPietro. “We were particularly pleased that so many of our local politicians attended and supported us and we rolled out the red carpet for the firefighters who walked it with adorable adoptable rescue pups.”
Proceeds from the event will enable Tri-County to continue its life-saving work, provide safe haven, nutritious food and veterinary treatment until animals can be adopted.
For more information, call 561-482-8110, ext 3 or visit tricountyanimalrescue.com. 
About Tri County Animal Rescue:
Tri-County Animal Rescue believes that every cat and dog—regardless of breed, gender, temperament, etc.—deserves to live a happy and healthy life. The organizations mission aims to shelter and provide a comfortable home for all animals placed in its facility.
