Events

Dear Friends,

What. A. Night.

Our 23rd Annual Fur Ball Gala: Derby Day was nothing short of spectacular—a celebration of compassion, community, and the animals who bring us together. From mint juleps and fabulous fashion to a ballroom brimming with generosity and heart, you made this year’s Fur Ball a winning finish worthy of the Kentucky Derby. We also adopted out 11 dogs and 17 cats that weekend!

Because of your kindness and commitment, we raised $703,640 to provide lifesaving care and second chances to animals across Greater Cincinnati. That number isn’t just impressive—it’s transformational. It represents thousands of lives changed and futures rewritten.

This year was especially meaningful as we honored the retirement of Mike Retzlaff, a true champion for animals who led the SPCA Cincinnati with heart, humility, and vision for nearly three decades. Mike’s legacy lives on in every life we save.

To our incredible sponsors, board members, committee, volunteers, and staff—especially Fur Ball Chair Diane Corman—you are the heartbeat of this mission.

Special thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, IAMS™, our Platinum Sponsors: The Alpaugh Family Foundation, Gorilla Glue, and Swiffer; and our Gala Production Sponsor at Prestige AV for helping us bring this night to life.

And, of course, a standing ovation for the incomparable David McCreary, our Master of Ceremonies, who kept the crowd galloping with laughter, cheering like we were at the final stretch, and inspired from start to finish.

As your new President & CEO, I am deeply honored—and fired up—to lead us into the next chapter. With bold ideas and a shared belief in compassion, I know we can make Cincinnati the national model for animal welfare.

And speaking of bold...

Get ready for Fur Ball 2026: Patriotic Paws!
In honor of America’s 250th birthday, we’re going red, white, and MEOW—celebrating the values that unite us: kindness, compassion, and the courage to care.

Save The Date: April 25, 2026.
This will be a birthday bash for the ages—and you won’t want to miss it.

With immense gratitude for making this year’s Fur Ball unforgettable—and with great excitement for what’s to come,

Chris Seelbach
President & CEO
SPCA Cincinnati

P.S. Couldn’t make it or want to relive the magic? Click here to view our digital program until June 6 or the PDF version here and check out highlights on Facebook and Instagram!