Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SPCA Cincinnati?
Founded in 1873, the SPCA Cincinnati has a long history of service to the Greater Cincinnati community. The SPCA Cincinnati’s main goal is to improve animal welfare in the Greater Cincinnati area. The SPCA Cincinnati offers a variety of services that make saving lives a community effort: adoptions, fostering, volunteering, obedience training, education, and more. These services enable pets to remain safe and achieve a better quality of life, with a touchpoint of positive human interaction at every turn. Nurturing, rehabilitating, and socializing each animal (every day) is of high importance to our team. The SPCA Cincinnati is a member of the Pet Coalition of Greater Cincinnati, a united pet resource for our community!
What is the Fur Ball?
The SPCA Cincinnati’s Fur Ball Gala is the largest and most important annual fundraiser. Each year the generous people of the Greater Cincinnati area come together to support the SPCA Cincinnati and the thousands of adoptable animals we care for each year. Traditionally, this black-tie optional event includes a cocktail/silent auction reception, live performances, a live auction, raffles, and much more.
What is a virtual event?
A virtual event is an online space in which people can gather and interact virtually from the comforts of their homes or their office, which would avoid losing a full day of productivity. By using AV technology, virtual events can be as immersive and engaging as live events, and they allow companies to creatively deliver content and share information without the need of people coming together physically.
Why is this year's Fur Ball Gala a virtual event?
Following guidelines mandated by the Governors of Ohio and Kentucky (limiting the number of attendees) and in an effort to keep our families and friends healthy, we chose to turn the Fur Ball into a virtual event.
Where are the proceeds of the event going?
All proceeds from the Fur Ball will go towards ensuring that the thousands of animals that come through our doors each year get the love, care, and safety they deserve.
Online Auctions, Raffle & Wine Wall:
How do I register to participate in the Silent Auction, Raffle & Wine Wall in the Silent Auction? Go to http://SPCA2020.givesmart.com/ to and fill out the following to register:
- Name
- Address
- Phone Number
You will also need to enter your credit card information before you bid on an item, purchase a raffle ticket, or buy a bottle of wine from the Wine Wall.
How do I participate in the Silent Auction?
• Once registered, click on the “VIEW ITEMS” button.
• You can then search through all Items or sort by number, category, or item name.
• Once you find an item you are interested in, click on it and a page will open that will allow you to place a bid on said item. You can choose to have GiveSmart automatically enter the minimum bid or enter a price you are willing to bid as long as it is more than the minimum.
• Once your bid has been entered, you will receive a text message informing you if another guest has outbid you.
• You can also watch an item and receive notification on bids by hitting the “Watch This Item” button at the bottom of the page.
• The Silent Auction will open for bidding on Sunday, August 23rd and will close on Saturday, August 29th at 8:00 p.m.
• The credit card of the winning bidder will be automatically run at the end of the auction.
How do I participate in the Raffle?
• Once Registered, click on the “Fur Ball Drawing” button.
• You can read about the trip options by clicking on the magnifying glass next to the graphic at the top of the page.
• If you are interested in entering the raffle, you have a choice to purchase one (1) ticket for $75 or two (2) for $100.
• The raffle will close at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, August 29th and the winning ticket will be announced by event host Adam Clements at the close of the show, 7:00 p.m.
• The credit card for every ticket purchaser will be run automatically through GiveSmart.
How do I participate in the Wine Wall?
• Once registered, click on the “VIEW ITEMS” button.
• Sort using the “CATEGORIES” Button and select Wine Wall.
• You will then have four (4) options to choose from...
- Red Wine - $30 per bottle (20 bottles available)
- White Wine - $30 per bottle (20 bottles available)
- Red Wine Premium - $100 per bottle (5 bottles available)
- White Wine Premium - $100 per bottle (5 bottles available)
• Wine available while supplies last. Once the 50 bottles are purchased, the Wine Wall will be closed.
• The bottle of wine you receive will be a random selection from the available wines in its category.
• The credit card for every wine wall participant will be run automatically through GiveSmart.
How do I pick up the items that I won?
All Silent Auction purchases can be picked up curbside at the SPCA Cincinnati Sharonville (11900 Conrey Road, Cincinnati OH 45249) on:
- Sunday, August 30th, from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, September 2nd, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, September 12th, from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
• If you are unable to attend one of the above curbside pick-up dates and times, please call Trent Owens, Event Manager, 513-426-2216 or towens@spcacincinnati.org.
• After October 1, 2020, any items not claimed will be considered a donation back to the SPCA Cincinnati.
Will this work for all mobile devices?
Yes, you can bid with any mobile device. With smartphones and tablets, you can browse, search and bid.
Auction & Raffle Rules
• All winning bids are final. There will be no exchange or refund on items unless otherwise specified.
• Please pay careful attention to all conditions, restrictions, and expiration dates on items and services. Unless otherwise stated, gift certificates exclude alcohol, tax, and gratuity.
• The SPCA Cincinnati will not ship alcohol to a winning bidder. You must be at least 21 years old to participate.
• The SPCA Cincinnati is not responsible for replacing gift certificates lost. The SPCA Cincinnati is under no obligation to extend, modify or change items or restrictions on items/certificates.
• Dates for all trips and similar events must be mutually arranged with donor, unless otherwise noted.
• Airfare is not included on any raffle or auction trips.
• All gift card usage is the responsibility of the buyer. Although the gift card and amount is currently valid, the SPCA Cincinnati cannot be held responsible for unused gift cards at businesses that may cease to operate before the expiration date.
Can I host a Fur Ball Gala watch party?
We encourage anyone who wants to add some fun to host your own watch party! Invite your friends, neighbors, and co-workers, but remember to follow safety guidelines from the CDC.
Are the animals showcased during Fur Ball available for adoption?
Most of the animals showcased during the show will be available for adoption. However, there will be a limited number of animals that are either not yet ready for their forever home for various reasons or have already found a loving family to live with. In cases like these, we will inform our guests that these specific pets are not available.